Doctors Claude and Yolene Surena Treat Earthquake Victims in Their Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Haitian doctor couple Claude and Yolene Surena have turned their own home into a makeshift clinic, treating more than 300 patients.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on January 17 2010

---

They have few medical supplies, no nurses, and are using an armchair as an operating table—but Haitian doctors Claude and Yolene Surena make do with what they have to save as many lives as possible in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Ever since the earthquake hit last Tuesday, neighbors have been banging on the doctor couple’s door, pleading for help with urgent medical needs. Fortunately, their house didn’t sustain damage, but many of their neighbors’ homes had collapsed. Some were hurt by falling debris, and had suffered injuries like puncture wounds, gaping cuts, and broken bones.

Yolene Surena said that she treated her first patient about five minutes after the earthquake struck, and by Saturday, she and her husband had helped more than 300 injured earthquake victims, substituting household items like Krazy Clue to help close wounds when they didn’t have the appropriate equipment. They’ve worked tirelessly, night and day, with assistance only from friends with no medical training. Despite the makeshift nature of their operation, they have lost only six patients.

Though it’s tough for the couple to keep up their relentless pace, they are determined to help as many people as they can.

“Each time you get something to do further, you hope that you can save one more life,” Yolene told Good Morning, America.

Filed under: Health and Wellbeing, Heroes,

---

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

• 

  “Apps for Healthy Kids” Fights Childhood Obesity with Online Games

  The new government-sponsored contest Apps for Healthy Kids has sparked the creation of innovative health-focused games. Here are some of our favorites. Read More

• 

  Eating Pecans Can Protect Your Brain from ALS

  A recent study found that a diet rich in pecans can protect against amyotropic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. Read More

• 

  3-Year-Old Hero Alesaundra Tafoya Walks to Fire Station to Save Father

  Toddler Alesaundra walked two blocks to the fire department all alone, saving her father's life. Read More

• 

  Good News, High School Athletes: Muscles Can Remember Their Former Strength

  Were you a jock in high school? A new study says your body can easily recover its former strength. Read More

• 

  Five Surprising Ways to Live Longer

  Increase your longevity with these surprising tips. Read More