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Eben Amstrong, right, MedShare's Biomedical Engineer,
shows a technician how to repair an x-ray machine in
Freetown, Sierra Leone.
"Tell me all of your problems. I may not be able to fix everything, but I will be able to fix some things."
This is how MedShare's Biomedical Engineer, Eben Amstrong, introduces himself when he visits medical institutions overseas. He periodically travels to some of MedShare's recipient hospitals to assess their needs, check up on the equipment MedShare has sent in its forty-foot containers, and train fellow biomedical engineers and technicians in troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. Those who benefit from his time and knowledge are always reluctant to let him leave.
Earlier this month, a grant from the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation allowed Eben to make a two-week trip to the West African countries of Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. He was able to ensure that all of the MedShare-donated equipment had arrived in good working condition, as well as teach other biomedical engineers how to repair malfunctioning equipment that had been obtained through other sources.
Everywhere he went, Eben was able to provide guidance. At Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, he met Dr. Kavim Kabineh in the audiology/otolaryngology department. Dr. Kabineh's examination lamp would repeatedly cut off when he tried to examine the ears, noses and throats of his patients. It interrupted valuable time with the patients and grated on his nerves.
Eben looked at the lamp. "I will fix that," he said.
After cleaning fungal deposits from the lamp's fiber optics, Eben checked the transformer. He quickly determined that an insufficient current flow from the power source to the lamp was causing the malfunction. In less than an hour, he fixed the voltage, eliminated the doctor's frustrating problem, and taught a group of other biomedical engineers and technicians how to do the same.
Dr. Kabineh, center, is delighted to have a fully functioning head lamp,
which will allow for higher-quality examinations.
"When you know how to fix these things, it's never difficult. When you don't, you can try for a year and never figure it out," said Eben.
MedShare recognizes the life-saving capabilities of biomedical equipment and the formidable challenges that can accompany such equipment. Teaching biomedical engineers and technicians to repair machinery on their own can have a positive impact for years to come. By growing our biomedical department and services, we continue to aid healthcare professionals and save lives all over the world. To support these critical biomedical training sessions, please click on the link below.
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Shipment Update
During the month of June, MedShare shipped containers filled
with vital medical supplies and equipment to healthcare institutions in
different countries. The recipients were:
- Kenya
Kenyan Red Cross (2 containers)
- Uzbekistan
Ministry of Health
- Lesotho
Sisters of the Holy Names
- Rwanda
Partners in Health
- Zimbabwe
Parerinyatwa Hospital
- Benin
Hospital St. Martin
- Zimbabwe
Sanyati Baptist Hospital
- Honduras
Office of the First Lady of Honduras
- Various
Latter Day Saints
- Ecuador
Foundation For the Development and Welfare of the Police
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