In this period I am working and living on Elcho Island off the coast of Arhnem Land, Northern Territory. Living amongst the Indigenous Communtiy on Elcho Island, working in Ngalkanbuy Health Clinic and sharing my experiences and expressions with Cathy
It is an amazing, humbling and moving experience.
I am currently writing whilst seated on the front vernadah. Around me I can hear the sound of circadas and the gentle rustling of leaves. It is very hot and humid so most people are either sitting under the shade of trees or fishning. On the red dirt path in front, some children occassionally wander or cycle past the house.
The house is an elevated weatherboard 'Queenslander' which overlooks the ocean and is positioned next to the Health Clinic. The garden surrounding the house is lush. At the front we have a frangipani tree in full bloom and a huge coconut tree in the back garden.
I am living in a semi detached weatherboard house with Cathy; her partner Jelko and Mermaid his beautiful daughter; Michelle the Health Clinic's Nurse Manager; Mark her partner; and their blue heeler 'Elcho'. Our home is full of activity, clutter, noise and love.
The Youlanda people inspire me. They live simply and happily on this beautiful, isolated and barren island without contemporary comforts and technology. What they have they share and their focus is family and relationships.
As remote nurse on this Island you work very independently and have the responsibilites of a doctor and a nurse. Initally I found this concept challenging, but after the the first week here, I am aware of my professional boundaries and confident in the experience, knowledge and insights of the health team I work with. As at home my aim is to work within my capabilites, preserve human life, respect individuality and strive to deliver excellence in medico-nursing care.
This weekend I am on-call for the Health Clinic. This means that I have to attend any individuals that attend the clinic for medical advice or treatment. Yesterday we recalled a community elder who had presented to the clinic the night before with right side chest pain. On examination it was evdient that this man was having an acute antroseptal myocardial infarct. After the intial assessment and stabilisation of his condition I contacted the nearest hospital "Gove Hospital" and faxed his cardiograph illustrating the infarct. The cardiologists at Darwin Hospital were contacted and they confirmed the severity of his condition. Transfer to Darwin Hospital's Coronary Care Unit was arranged and until the flight arrived I had to monitor his condition in the Health Clinic. Six hours later Cathy and I transported him to the airstrip for emergency aeromedical transport. There were about 80 people at the airstrip to farewell him and wish him luck. The community and his family had stayed close to him throughout his stay in the Clinic. They even prayed over him. It was a moving experience and very humbling.
From a medical perspective it was interesting that this 54 yr old man had minimal risk factors (heavy smoker) and possibly some undiagnosed medical conditions (high cholestrol, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes). Additionally he did not display the physiological changes that are typical for patents having an acute infarct. He had no diaphoresis, cardiovascular compromise, arrhythmmia, pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath.
Throughout my time at the Clinic, Michelle and Cathy supported me. Visiting me with cups of cofee, bought me toasted bacon and egg sandwiches, macadamia nuts. Cathy also purchased a treat for me to help me unwind today. She bought a large canvas, a full set of primary paints and brushes. I was so excited I felt as though it was Christmas!
Anyway, it is time for Ginger Beer and chips on the verandah at sunset. The storm sounds as though it is coming so hopefully some of the heat from the day will dissipate.
Until later
Love Jules
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