FUKUSHIMA Lives on the Line

91/306

87chap.IIFukushima Medical University Record of Activities [Notes and Messages]FUKUSHIMA: Lives on the Linemotivated to visit Japan and help with the care of refugees. They arrived just three days after deciding to come, and brought portable ultrasound gear that seems to have been purchased new for their mission.At our first meeting on April 25, we tried to anticipate their concerns about radiation exposure. We explained the current status of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and assured them that we would not enter the 20-kilometer evacuation radius. Then we detailed radiation levels in Fukushima City and the places we planned to visit.In reply, our Jordanian colleagues offered to follow us wherever we went, regardless of radiation levels. We were deeply impressed and encouraged by their strong commitment to help Japan. Furthermore, their knowledge and skill exceeded our expectations, and we were able to begin working together from the same day as our initial meeting.After the Jordanian team joined us, the detection rate of thrombi increased immediately and the number of support hose distributed also increased. It appears that our collaborative efforts improved refugee care because we could meet and advise many more refugees before DVT and/or pulmonary embolism might have occurred.The Jordanians brought more than medical care. Despite a language barrier, refugees seemed to understand and appreciate their thoughtful behavior and concern. We frequently heard, “Thank you for coming all the way from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Inspired by you, we will hang on.”As a team leader, I know without our Jordanian colleagues, we surely would have missed many early intervention opportunities. We really appreciate their support. In Fukushima Prefecture, problems caused by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant crisis have produced a lot of refugees. We worry that refugee life will continue for a long time, and, even after moving to temporary housing, many refugees will remain at risk for DVT and other ailments. We are keenly aware that ongoing medical and preventive care activities will be needed, and hope to provide long-term support to those whose interrupted livelihoods contributed so richly to our nation and to the world.The Jordanian and FMU medical teams confer prior to departure.An elegant present made by students in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan(The red Arabic characters mean “It’s going to be all right, Japan!”)Fukushima Medical University welcomes delegates from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: His Excellency the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the Jordanian medical team from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at our university.

※このページを正しく表示するにはFlashPlayer9以上が必要です