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Indiana BMET Experiences Haiti

September 2002. Although TriMedx has sponsored several mission trips to Haiti, it is interesting to garner the perspective of each associate who goes there. Each person brings back unique experiences of the people and the work.

Such is the case with Joshua Solomon, TriMedx BMET, Indiana Heartland. Joshua volunteered to go in July 2002 to assist the St. Boniface Foundation located in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.

Upon his arrival at St. Boniface hospital, he conducted an assessment of the work and identified deficiencies in the equipment. When he began working on a Drager Anesthesia unit that had been in storage, he realized a mouse had made the unit its home. The mouse had eaten components making the unit irreparable. However, Joshua was able to fix all of the other equipment such as a surgical table, an aspirator, and a Select-A-Fuge 24. Joshua felt that the facility was in need of an inventory, so he took it upon himself to inventory every piece of equipment.

Joshua stated that most of the equipment they receive is used beyond the normal lifecycle, and the need for regular maintenance is crucial. In many instances, the mission groups receive equipment that is normally tossed out for junk. He suggested that those who choose to donate equipment adopt the motto of "No Junk for Jesus."

Joshua wants to return to Haiti because he believes he made an impact. He added that although the people are among the poorest in the world, they are still very proud. Before he left, he received a hand-made straw hat from one of the hospital lab technicians who wanted to express thanks for Joshua's contributions.