A dramatic image of Thai medical personnel performing surgery outdoors following an earthquake has gone viral, earning widespread praise on social media.
The photo, shared by Facebook user “Tony Lim,” captures a team from the Police General Hospital conducting a life-saving procedure after the tremors from the earthquake, which struck Myanmar on Friday (Mar. 28), disrupted hospital operations.
According to Thai media outlet The Nation, the lead surgeon, Pol Lt Col Waranyu Jiramrit, also known as Dr. Toey, explained that the patient was undergoing a colostomy when the earthquake hit. Just as the team was preparing to close the abdominal incision, the tremors forced them to evacuate the operating room and relocate the patient to a safer outdoor area.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the medical team decided to complete the surgery outside to prevent potential complications. Leaving the incision open could have led to bowel displacement or exposure to outside air, posing significant risks to the patient.
Despite the unconventional setting, the surgery was successfully completed in just 10 minutes under field conditions. The team adhered to strict hygiene protocols, utilizing sterile gloves and equipment to ensure patient safety.
Following the operation, the patient was reported to be in stable condition and is currently recovering.
Dr. Toey expressed his surprise at the viral response to the image.
“I personally had no idea that the images were being shared on social media and receiving so much praise,” he told The Nation. “I was simply doing my duty as a doctor to save the patient’s life to the best of my ability.”
Source: mothership.sg