Decreased Mortality Results in Increased Morbidity

On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale occurred in the small Caribbean nation of Haiti. Much of the instantaneous hu-man and structural destruction that resulted from this massive earthquake was broadcast widely via media sources, and the world immediately responded. Within hours of the event, emergency medical teams joined the large number of nongovernmental or-ganizations (NGOs) already operational in Haiti, and humanitarian aid began to fl ow into the capital of Port-au-Prince by land (through the Dominican Republic), air, and sea. More than 6 months following the event, many of the details remain “preliminary”; however, we know that at least 220,000 people died, making this earthquake one of the largest single-day casualty counts in history.1,2 Even though the number of fatalities is staggering, it is believed that mortality rates would have been higher if the international community had not responded so quickly. Physical therapists from around the world have become part of the global response in Haiti. Although there are far too many individuals and organizations to mention here, collectively they have placed their personal and professional lives on hold in order to contribute to the global humanitarian efforts in this devastated country. These physical therapists are an inspirational group of caring people who have made, are making, and will make important contributions in Haiti. They also have indirectly helped to propel physical therapy into the mainstream of humanitarian aid and relief (Fig. 1). I have been fortunate to be involved as part of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s (TRI) humanitarian response in Haiti. The TRI has been working with partners from Healing Hands for Haiti at a spinal cord rehabilitation unit that emerged in the post-earthquake phase. Three main sites in Haiti agreed to admit people with spinal cord injuries followin