US Government Collaboration Saves a Young Life

In September of 2010, the U.S. Government (USG) Continuing Promise mission sent a hospital ship to provide medical, dental, and infrastructure assistance to the Nicaraguan city of Bluefields on Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast. During the advance work for the Continuing Promise mission, USG military personnel from the JTF-Bravo unit were approached about a two-day old baby suffering from septic poisoning originating from complications during delivery. The child was in critical condition and Bluefields hospital was rapidly running out of supplies needed to keep the baby alive. The USG was informed that the baby would not survive without oxygen and only one hour of oxygen was available at the hospital. Immediate treatment at another facility was needed within the hour. Acting quickly, JTF-Bravo cut short their advance work for the Continuing Promise mission and airlifted the baby to a hospital in Managua in 55 minutes using a USG military helicopter. The baby received the crucial care it needed and after 2 days in intensive care the baby stabilized and made a full recovery. The Continuing Promise mission is a Civilian-Military collaboration between various USG organizations including the U.S. Military, the State Department, and USAID. For more information on USAID activities in Nicaragua, click on http://Nicaragua.usaid.gov/