Dr Anna Sullivan talks about the Christchurch Earthquake
The first guest speaker of 2021 was Dr Anna Sullivan, a doctor in the Emergency Department at Wellington Hospital.
On 22nd February 2011 she was in the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Christchurch, helping to deliver a training course on emergency paediatrics. The 28 students and 12 teachers in her party escaped unharmed, thanks to the sterling efforts of the hotel staff. Those on higher floors were not so lucky.
Anna’s group mobilised themselves to assist the injured and dying. The emergency services in Christchurch were reasonably well-prepared for the disaster as a result of their experience in the smaller earthquake in 2010, and erected large tents in Latimer Square.
Anna’s big challenge was to amputate the lower leg of a Japanese student in hair-raising circumstances. The leg was trapped under an immovable concrete beam in the CTV building, where most of the fatalities occurred. The student could only be reached via a narrow tunnel.
Anna was preparing to amputate using a hacksaw but used a sterilised power saw instead. In the event, it went well; the student was calm and transferred to hospital where he recovered slowly. He is now back in Tokyo and has married.
The main shake was followed by days of aftershocks, and the experience has traumatised the people of Christchurch, especially children. Anna herself was able to recount her experiences in a matter-of-fact way. You have to be tough to be an Emergency Doctor.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.6% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
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8% Keep it as is
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32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.4% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
New World Khandallah parking warning and appeal to nearby business owners
For very valid reasons (local commuters abuse) the New World has allowed the draconian Smartcomply company to police their carpark on their behalf.
Smartcomply will hit you with an $85 'fine' if you stay one second beyond the 60 minutes allowed.
Can I appeal to all nearby business's (especially eateries) to display a clearly visible "ARE YOU PARKED IN THE NEW WORD CARPARK' notice so customers can be warned about the possibility of an unpleasant post dining experience surprise.
A local eatery, and New World itself, could lose future custom due Smartcomply's excessive actions, as is likely our case.
Indeed I would urge any business local to a Smartcomply operation to implement a "ARE YOU PARKED IN ..........." notice if they wanted to avoid a lose in trade.
Here is the link to their Terms and Conditions that all entrants to a carpark under their control are expected to notice and read.
smartcomply.co.nz...
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
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