Last week we finished up our Field Health class. I’d say it was both informational and practical. And by practical, I mean a little scary, as in Jack and I giving each other shots! Don’t worry, no marital issues came out of the event!
We began the course a few weeks ago by simply going over healthy living principles, so we can hopefully keep ourselves well enough to minimize the need for a doctor, while we’re in the bush. We learned about all the immunizations we’ll need before moving overseas and some of the common diseases we’ll have to deal with- like Malaria! We even watched an incredibly creepy video that showed the development of the Malaria cells. Those suckers are mean.
Several doctors and a dentist were guest lecturers and provided tons of practical advice. We studied how to recognize and treat different kinds of upper respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) and ear infections. We also put together our field-specific “medical kit.” And then of course we went over what it looks like to clean and treat abscesses and burns, including lancing them to drain the pus! (Boils are apparently an issue in tropical climates)
The last day we had our practical skills labs. We took vital signs, looked in each other’s ears with an otoscope….and gave each other shots! I thought I wouldn’t want me giving myself a shot, but Jack said he barely even felt it! I’m glad we got to practice now—our missionary friend said she gave her first shot here, and her second one to her little baby out in the tribe!
Needless to say we learned a ton and feel much more prepared for life in a tribe!
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