The MA attending to the victim. - Photo: Muhamad Na'im Ab Razak
KOTA KINABALU: A doctor from Lahad Datu went onto social media to praise one of his colleagues, an assistant medical officer, for being with an accident victim for hours before the latter could be taken to hospital.
The doctor who goes by the name Muhamad Na'im Ab Razak on Facebook, felt the need to share this news as a form of appreciation to the medical personnel involved because he was the one who stabilised and made sure the pinned victim stayed alive.
“On Nov 26, there was an accident involving a trailer which fell and turned turtle in a ravine, near the Lahad Datu town,” he posted.
“The news was reported by many media outlets. But in their reports, it was stated that the victim was assisted and monitored by a Health Ministry medical officer,” he wrote.
Dr Muhamad said this was not true as the assistant medical officer, commonly known as MA, was the one who stayed by the victim’s side and monitored him.
“The MA and our driver were the ones who responded to the emergency. They were the ones who inserted the Branula, administered pain medication and fluid therapy,” he shared.
“Us doctors and specialists at the hospital monitored from afar,” he said.
Rescue personnel trying to get the victim out of the lorry. - Photo: Muhamad Na'im Ab Razak
Dr Muhamad said the accident was reported at 7.30am with the victim pinned in his seat and was only taken out and brought to the hospital at 6.30pm, where he was immediately administered more medications for stabilisation before entering the operating theatre.
“The injuries sustained were high risk because being pinned too long could cause rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition where toxic contents could be released into the bloodstream,” he said.
This would then lead to abnormal mineral or sodium collection, heart arrhythmia and death, he stated.
Therefore, the exact accurate treatment had to be given immediately with protocols, Dr Muhamad explained.
He said the MA and driver were at the site for hours, taking care of the victim, withstanding the mosquito bites in the forest and returning to the hospital with sweat and dirt on their uniforms and skin, followed by aching bodies.
“Therefore, I think the credit has to be given and they are part of our hospital team. Their work deserves to be recognised,” he added.
Dr Muhamad said these are people who work round the clock and are the real unsung heroes.
“Ever since I was a medical student, they have been my ‘guru’ (teachers) and colleagues. Thank you for being amazing work partners,” he stated.
In the accident, a 51-year-old driver suffered serious injuries after the fertiliser-laden lorry he was driving plunged into a ravine at Danum Valley in Lahad Datu.
Firefighters first tried to remove the victim using special tools but failed as his lower body was pinned so firemen had to wait for an excavator from the transport company to assist with the rescue.
The victim was conscious the whole time, accompanied by the MA and driver.
According to the State Fire and Rescue Department, the victim was successfully removed from the trailer at 6.07pm using special tools and the excavator with assistance from the police, Civil Defence Force and Silam voluntary firemen.
