Challenging times in a challenging world

In my first editorial of 2006, I discussed being in Thailand 1 year after the Tsunami. This being my first editorial of 2008 and having recently returned from Thailand, Cambodia and India, I am again inspired to discuss the Tsunami. In particular, I am impressed by the resolve of the Thai people and their rapid recovery from a significant disaster. Indeed, one of our papers in this edition discusses the challenges of dealing with the aftermath of the Tsunami from a wound perspective. Since being in Thailand at the end of 2005, I see significant change and return towards normality. In spite of such a significant event, the Thai people are well mannered, at ease with the world and non aggressive. In fact, they could teach the Western world, how to better live our lives without the daily stresses and strains we all seem to face on a regular basis. That is not to say that the Thai people do not face similar challenges but rather they seem to have a much calmer and equally effective way of dealing with them. The contrast after spending a few days in Mumbai where the city is busy, hectic, loud – a complete overstimulation of the olfactory senses – reminiscent of the stresses and aggression of any large North American or European city – Phuket is a peaceful, tranquil paradise where one can reflect, think, enjoy and realise what is important in one’s daily life. Currently I am working with the World Union of Wound Healing Societies on an initiative relating to the problem of wound-related pain. Returning from vacation and preparing for this editorial got me thinking about the impact of not only the physical aspects of the wound pain (i.e. the pain itself) but also the emotional aspects (the stresses and strains around the pain). Upon reflection my ‘pain’ related to busy airports, cancelled flights, hostile check in staff and being in a city of over 17 million people (50% of the population of Canada!) was certainly more emotional than physical. Although at times, it did feel physical – the power of stress! Being around the Thai people for the majority of my holiday certainly taught me how to be more considerate of others, their feelings and more importantly to be a little bit more tolerant. Reflecting on these past few weeks certainly encourages me to value this approach to life, but how long will this last when I am back in my working environment, dealing with the everyday demands and stresses of Western working practices, including the planning of the upcoming Congress 2008 – probably not that long! But if anything the experience makes me think more about others rather than myself – that is the philosophy of the Thai people. Their generosity of spirit and positive attitude to life is an example to us all. If we are to treat our patients adequately, then we should certainly think more about them and their needs, rather than our own institutional or health care system needs. Please read the paper by Dr Thavat Prasartritha and his colleagues – it is both interesting and inspiring. In a matter of hours, he and his colleagues dealt with more wounds than most clinicians see in many years, even in the busiest of clinics. For me, however, it is not simply about the challenge itself –which he and his colleagues articulate very well – but rather the positive and generous approach to what would challenge us all, even in the Western world. For me the lessons learned certainly include disaster planning, early warning systems for future Tsunamis and unusual wounds in unusual circumstances, but the most positive message of all is that culture, environment and attitude for all involved, both caregiver and patient, can have a very positive impact on the care provided. Food for thought! I congratulate and thank the authors for their valuable contribution to the literature on wounds.

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