Smacc

Nikki Blackwell provides an insight into critical care in humanitarian emergencies. Through her experiences in hunger emergencies, epidemics, natural disasters and conflict zones, Nikki has gained a wealth of wisdom and lessons. She shares these from the SMACC stage. Nikki talks about some of the practical things she does when working in resource poor settings. It starts with hospital hygiene to reduce nosocomial infections, and often entails Nikki working alongside the cleaners due to resource limitations. Hand hygiene is difficult without running water and Nikki champions using the WHO Handrub Formulation. Other challenges include cold chain storage, blood donations, limited monitoring and food and nutrition. Nikki also discusses the challenges of working in different environments. Invariable the environment will be too hot… or too cold! On top of this, working in remote locations often entails living with the other medical professionals you are working alongside. This presents interpersonal challenges. Mor