By Angeline Nzyoka
We are thrilled to introduce you to this remarkable individual who has been at the heart of emergency medical care for the past ten years – Tariq Salim Mohamed. As a skilled clinician, Tariq serves with unwavering dedication at Lamu County Referral Hospital in the Accident & Emergency/OPD department. With a passion for saving lives and a commitment to making a difference, Tariq’s journey in the medical field has been nothing short of inspiring.
A Love for Emergency Care – Adrenaline and Instant Results
When asked what fuels his passion for his work, Tariq enthusiastically shares the rush of adrenaline that comes with working in the emergency department. The ability to stabilize and swiftly bring patients out of danger within those crucial first few hours brings immense satisfaction. Tariq emphasizes that there’s an unparalleled thrill when an emergency patient arrives, calling for quick thinking and the full range of medical expertise – a challenge he wholeheartedly embraces.
Emergency Care – Prompt, Life-Saving Intervention
For Tariq, emergency care is about being the first line of defence in managing sudden and unexpected illnesses or injuries. As a clinician, he recognizes his critical role in providing immediate care that can make all the difference in preventing death or long-term impairment for his patients.
An Impactful Encounter – The Story of a Young Patient
Reflecting on a remarkable emergency encounter, Tariq recounts an early experience during a night shift. A seriously ill 2-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department by his mother, with no clear history available. The child’s respiratory distress was evident, displaying symptoms such as nasal flaring, rapid breathing, lower chest wall indrawing, and low oxygen saturation. With the medical team’s expertise, the child was promptly placed on high-flow oxygen.
Further assessment revealed the child’s weak pulse, cold extremities, and dangerously low random blood sugar level. The team worked tirelessly, securing two IV lines, collecting samples, and administering an IV fluid bolus tailored to the child’s weight. However, the situation intensified as the child began to convulse. A 10% Dextrose IV bolus was administered in a swift response, stabilizing the child further before admitting them to the Pediatric Ward for continued care.
Identifying Gaps in Emergency Care
From this experience, Tariq acknowledges the importance of addressing specific gaps in the provision of emergency care in his setting. The critical areas for improvement include:
- Understaffing: Ensuring adequate trained professionals to handle emergency cases efficiently.
- Proper Equipment and Resources: Equipping the department with the necessary tools and resources to deliver optimal care promptly.
- Lack of ICU: Establishing a dedicated Intensive Care Unit to cater to critically ill patients requiring specialized care.
- Continual Training and Updates: Investing in ongoing training and updates for emergency staff to stay abreast of the latest medical advancements and best practices.
Tariq Salim Mohamed’s passion for emergency care and dedication to positively impacting his patients’ lives are truly commendable. As EMKF, we continue to support our emergency care departments in their mission to save lives and provide exemplary medical care.
