From Arkansas to Thailand: Paul Johnston's Eqwal Mission

New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics is proud to be part of the Eqwal Group, a global leader in the field of custom orthopedic prosthetics. Recently, Eqwal sent a team of practitioners and technicians, including our own Paul Johnston, CP, LOA on a humanitarian mission to Thailand.

A Mission of Hope

"Many of the refugees, primarily young men, had suffered limb loss due to landmine injuries," Paul explained. "The facility we worked in wasn't a traditional refugee camp, but rather a center with various medical clinics. The amputations, performed under challenging circumstances, were very well done."

This mission aimed to provide much-needed prosthetic care. Paul's team, one of many to be deployed to Thailand, followed a team that had spent the previous two weeks training local medical personnel in basic prosthetic fabrication and fitting techniques.

Learning and Adapting

“The first team focused on instruction, which I ended up learning a lot from myself," Paul recalled. “They taught some 'old-school' methods to the Burmese medical professionals, and that was really neat to see. I really tried to pick up on these techniques, as they could be valuable to use back home if needed. Our role was to put those teachings into practice, assist with techniques, and ensure the quality of the prosthetics being fabricated. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. We saw 14 or 15 patients, mostly below-knee amputees, with a few above-knee amputees and one upper extremity patient."

A Journey of 11 Days

Paul spent 11 days in Thailand, from November 12th to November 23rd. "The travel was quite extensive," Paul admitted. "With over 25 hours of flight time each way, it was a long trip. I flew from Little Rock to Chicago, then to Istanbul, and finally to Bangkok."

Once there, the team faced the realities of working with limited resources. "We had to be resourceful and innovative," Paul explained. "We even had to purchase a vacuum cleaner to use for laminations! Despite these challenges, the Burmese medical professionals were incredibly dedicated and eager to learn. They quickly grasped the techniques, and the patients adapted well to their new prostheses."

Beyond the Clinic

Beyond the medical work, the trip offered a unique cultural experience. "The Thai people are incredibly polite and accommodating," Paul shared. "While the language barrier presented some challenges, we formed strong bonds with the people we were helping."

The team also enjoyed some downtime during their stay. "We explored the area, visited waterfalls, and even ventured into the "Blue Cave," which is a natural wonder inhabited by Buddhist monks. The cave itself was actually blue!" Paul recounted. "The food was fantastic too, though I did have one of the spiciest dishes I’ve ever had while we were there!"

A Commitment to Global Impact

This mission trip reinforced the importance of Eqwal's commitment to global humanitarian efforts. "Eqwal is a company that truly prioritizes patient care," Paul emphasized. "They are generous in their support and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people around the world.”

"This experience has been truly humbling," Paul concluded. "It's a reminder of the importance of helping those in need and the impact we can have on their lives."