Friday-Quiz and BBQ

BBQ- Cooking with real wood.

Well, it was an information-packed morning with Dr. Nawrocki discussing the disease processes of rabies, tetanus, meningitis, brucellosis, and leprosy. The students learned how to identify these, conditions, what causes them and how they should be treated. In some cases all the Barefoot Drs can do is help transport the patient to the nearest health center even if that means walking for days to get there.

Dr. Nawrocki teaching.

One of the students had seen a leprosy colony in Burma! He stated there are several hundred people with leprosy in that area. Fortunately, they are receiving treatment from a large organization. Leprosy can be effectively treated with modern medicine but it is shocking to us to hear there is that many leprosy cases in Burma.

After lunch, Dr. Jeff discussed bites; both animal and human and how the bacteria in bites can be very dangerous. The instructors learned that 7 students know someone who has been bitten by a snake, and 4 of the students have been stung by a scorpion (“gin-chem-ya”). Dr. Jeff instructed in the treatment of new vs old wounds, assessing for signs of infection, and about allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. 

Quiz review using the ARS(audience response system)

The week closed with a quiz and robust review. The students are given the opportunity to discuss and argue their points and sometimes they are given credit. The point is to get them thinking and really understanding the subject matter.

There was a lot of confusion about how to treat a snake bite. It took us a wile to figure out that the student’s book has the outdated treatment for snake bite recommending to cut it and suck out the poison. The most recent recommendation is to clean the wounds and bandage it with and elastic bandage. More recent studies find that the cutting adds to the risk of infection and the sucking on the wound does not help get the poison out. Since their book said one thing and we another we gave them credit for both answers but made sure the wrote down the most recent recommendation.

Students at BBQ

Singing at BBQ

Friday evening ended with a big BBQ, something very rare for the students.  It was a time of fun and fellowship for all. The students said goodbye to Alice and Rick Astone and Dr. Jeff Kornelson. It is always and emotional and special time of mutual thankfulness.

Some of the instructors tried Chin Lo, a sport kicking a ball and no hands. There was also great food and of course some singing

Instructors practicing Chin Lo

Thank you,

Rick and Alice Astone