Mass Casualty

“Suddenly, jolting us out of our lethargy and our routine, come experiences that change the course of life. How wonderful they may be, and yet sometimes how utterly devastating and traumatic. Whatever comes, our confidence as children of God is that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

~Dr. Bob Foster (first physician to Mukinge Hospital)

It started out as a fairly normal Wednesday evening here at Mukinge. The missionaries gathered for our weekly meeting to pray and worship together. As we dispersed to go home, the doctor on call was notified that there had been a bus accident about two hours from us and that the victims were beginning to arrive.  Nurses from the various wards converged in the ICU to help triage patients. Lab and x-ray technicians were called in from home. Patients in various conditions were brought in, and we went into action.

 

We worked until early in the morning to assess injuries and tend to the wounds of each patient. Later, the mangled bodies of the deceased would arrive as well. I was so proud of our hospital staff for the teamwork displayed and the loving care that was shown to scared and hurting patients and their families. At Mukinge, we work with the knowledge that we treat, but Jesus heals, and we are grateful for God’s healing hand and protection over each of our patients. How quickly things can change – a normal Wednesday evening melted into a night of mass casualty triage and trauma care. All too soon, the sun came up again, bringing to light answers to questions and details of the accident. In Zambian culture, grieving is a public process, and the grief of those who lost loved ones is felt by each of us as well.  We mourn alongside those who are mourning, and we rejoice over the lives of those who were spared. We continue to trust that God does indeed “work all things together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” Please join us in praying for all involved and for God to be glorified in all that follows.