title: Humanitarian Medical Response to the Syrian Arab Republic (April 7, 2013 to April 23, 2013).
abstract: The Syrian Arab Republic is entrenched in a deadly civil war, plunging the country into a state of chaos. With 3.2 million refugees abroad, 7.6 million internally displaced persons, and more than 200,000 killed, humanitarian assistance and international intervention are in dire need. This report outlines the response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis by a South African-based nongovernmental organization (NGO). It describes the experiences of a health care worker, the patient profiles, and the lessons learned in a war zone. Responding to a nation in need is of paramount importance. In order to maximize the benefit conferred, the team should always attempt to implement measures that leave a lasting legacy.
authors.affiliation: 1University of the Witwatersrand,Division of Emergency Medicine,Johannesburg,South Africa.
authors.forename: Zeyn
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mahomed
authors.affiliation: 1University of the Witwatersrand,Division of Emergency Medicine,Johannesburg,South Africa.
authors.forename: Feroza
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Motara
authors.affiliation: 2University of Johannesburg,Division of Prehospital Medicine,Johannesburg,South Africa.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bham
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D009938:Organizations; D012036:Refugees; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013019:South Africa; D013593:Syria; D014857:Warfare
keywords: ED emergency department; GOTG Gift of the Givers; NGO nongovernmental organization; disaster medicine; humanitarian crisis; prehospital medicine