Most of the wounded had injuries to their arms or legs or to their heads, so the brain surgeons and the orthopedists were the most severely taxed.
“During this war we saw far fewer chest and stomach wounds,” Davidson said. “That’s because the soldier’s protective vests are extremely effective.”
But there was another, entirely different dimension to Soroka being so close to the front this summer. Given the huge number of babies delivered at Soroka every year – between 15 and 16,000, and their advanced facilities for neonatal care, the hospital had to make sure their tiny wards were also given special protection.
And so, in early July, just as the war began, Soroka moved its entire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to a special shelter, to provide added protection. They moved 57 babies, families and staff, including 23 preemies, five of whom were on respirators.
Being responsible for the wounded, in addition to the newest and most vulnerable Israelis, was an awesome responsibility for Davidson.
What would Dr. Davidson like to see done with what Soroka learned this summer?
“Given what we learned this summer, it would be really important to share with other medical centers and personnel, whether in conferences or personal visits,” Davidson explained.
“The growth of knowledge was truly astounding, and it would be a shame not to share this with others facing similar circumstances.”
One lesson learned, Davidson explained, is that Soroka needs a larger emergency room and a larger trauma unit. These areas of the hospital will have to be enlarged, before the next round of fighting takes place. And that is something Dr. Davidson is trying to explain to interested, caring folks in the States, ones he hopes will help Soroka stay on top of the fight to repair Israelis on the front lines to ensure they can go home again, as well as continue caring for those going home for the first time.
While traveling in the States, Dr. Davidson will be with the American Friends of Soroka Medical Center.
