Local doctors head to Haiti

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A group of Central Texas doctors flew out of Austin Sunday to provide help to Haiti. More than a dozen nurses, physicians and surgeons are also bringing plenty of medical supplies. With their bags packed, they boarded two charter planes.

"I'm ready!" said Lindsey Griffin, Registered Nurse. "I'm sick of waiting!"

The medical team is bringing 26,000 pounds of medical supplies, antibiotics, medicine, anesthesia, casting materials and baby formula.

"We were devastated, and we were like, 'How can I get there? Is there a plane going out?' I just want to help," said Griffin.

Many of the doctors specialize in orthopedic surgery, and they are well aware their expertise is greatly needed in Port-au-Prince.

"I think most physicians would be willing to do this, it's just that some of us are more able and have a better skill set for this type of situation," said Tim Gueramy, Orthopedic Surgeon. "But I think most physicians go into medicine to actually do this. It's not every day that you get to help people who are in need, right now, and you have the skill set to help them at that time."

The team is anxious to get to Haiti and start helping those who need it most.

"I think everyone on this trip has a heart to help people, and we have a skill set that is in need right now," said Joel Hurt, Orthopedic Surgeon. "When we get there, we're going to do whatever's necessary. It's very hard to get good information on the ground, but that can include limb salvage, wound care, taking care of people who are dehydrated. Just taking care of basic medical care. Whatever's necessary, we're going to be willing to do."

The group is a complete medical team with nurses who are also ready to care for patients.

"We are going to be recovering these patients," said Griffin. "You have a great surgery, but if you don't have care aftewards, you're going to die, so it's amazing we can help out in that way."

The medical mission was made possible through Hill Country Bible Church and other area churches along with Texas Orthopedics.
There were so many donated medical supplies that cargo trucks transported the extra 19,000 pounds of medial equipment to Haiti. The shipment should make it there in time for the team to use.

The medical team will be helping The Mission of Hope in Haiti.

A generous Central Texan donated his charter planes and pilots for the mission. Donations will cover the cost of fuel.

The doctors are planning a second trip to Haiti next week to provide more assistance. They are asking for more donations and volunteers to travel with them to Haiti.

Tax deductible donations for fuel can be made to Hill Country Bible Church.