Dr Anna Sullivan talks about the Christchurch Earthquake
The first guest speaker of 2021 was Dr Anna Sullivan, a doctor in the Emergency Department at Wellington Hospital.
On 22nd February 2011 she was in the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Christchurch, helping to deliver a training course on emergency paediatrics. The 28 students and 12 teachers in her party escaped unharmed, thanks to the sterling efforts of the hotel staff. Those on higher floors were not so lucky.
Anna’s group mobilised themselves to assist the injured and dying. The emergency services in Christchurch were reasonably well-prepared for the disaster as a result of their experience in the smaller earthquake in 2010, and erected large tents in Latimer Square.
Anna’s big challenge was to amputate the lower leg of a Japanese student in hair-raising circumstances. The leg was trapped under an immovable concrete beam in the CTV building, where most of the fatalities occurred. The student could only be reached via a narrow tunnel.
Anna was preparing to amputate using a hacksaw but used a sterilised power saw instead. In the event, it went well; the student was calm and transferred to hospital where he recovered slowly. He is now back in Tokyo and has married.
The main shake was followed by days of aftershocks, and the experience has traumatised the people of Christchurch, especially children. Anna herself was able to recount her experiences in a matter-of-fact way. You have to be tough to be an Emergency Doctor.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
