Setting Up the Operating Rooms

Dehradun, India--Bonnie MacEvoy, Interplast volunteer anesthesiologist.

This evening, we quickly moved all boxes and bodies into various vans and vehicles and made our way to the hospital we will be using.  In no time, our colony of ants went to work loading, unloading, opening boxes, distributing goods, setting up two operating rooms, a central supply area, lounge and storage room, recovery room, occupational therapy consultation space, and an autoclave and equipment cleaning space.  Before our eyes, we created an operating room from top to bottom. Luckily, we already had walls, surgical beds, stands and storage shelves with which to work.  Everyone pitched in: the two surgeons, the two occupational therapists, the four nurses, the three anesthesiologists, the pediatrician and the two coordinator/translators.  We all start out very familiar with all aspects of the environment, which enables us to better work together to get things done.