Humans can live about three days without water

[Cyrano]

And the clock is running.

I'm no where near Haiti and I have very little understanding of what's going on on the ground.

Many different organizations are in Haiti trying to help, but no one seems to be in charge.

If there was ever a time for the use of United Nations forces, backed by the forces of the United States, England, France, and whatever other UN countries are currently in Haiti, this is the time for it.

The two things needed to get water, food and medical help to the Haitian people are coordination and the military force necessary to unblock anything that stands in the way of this crucial rescue mission.

Isn't there anyone with an iota of power who knows how to take charge? George Patton was a lunatic, but we could sure use someone like him right now in Haiti.

[cali]

1. Patton? Are you kidding?

And from what I'm reading, it is happening. water is getting distributed.

[Cyrano]

2. I certainly hope so. And I hope it's in time

[lunatica]

3. I've seen photos of people getting water from broken water pipes

The media is creating a tempest in a cup over this. They show one scuffle a thousand times and talk about riots going on and people believe it.

[ddeclue]

4. NOT accurate - it depends on any number of factors 3 days is NOT a hard fast number.

[Junkdrawer]

5. There's water...just not clean water...

Diphtheria and Cholera loom...

[laughingliberal]

6. Actually, it depends on their state of hydration at the time fluids are cut off

As a hospice nurse it was my experience humans can live from 5-7 days with no food or water but it does depend on where they were to begin with. FYI people can live up to 30 days with adequate fluid and no food depending on their initial state of health.

[mucifer]

11. wow I'm a hospice nurse, too and I was about to post the same thing.

3 days for an otherwise healthy person is a low number.

[laughingliberal]

12. Ah, small world. I haven't worked since the end of '07 but did hospice for 10 years

and oncology for 15 years before that. Do you like it?

[Deep13]

7. I'm sure they are all trying to deal with that.

The UN is there. So is the American military and the State Dept. And there are official relief efforts from all over the world. Haiti's one time oppressor, the French, are there. I heard a story on NPR about a Turkish rescue squad who was looking for survivors. And there are many others. U.S. military people seem to have control of the airport and of course have big trucks to haul supplies. I heard the roads are still usable. It seems that rather than the usual political bullshit and posturing, the world has simply reacted to the crisis by sending whatever it could.

I know what you mean about water, especially in a hot climate like that. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw those people just sitting around the street. They all need immediate water, shelter and food in that order. And medical attention for the countless wounded survivors.

I wish I could go there with a shovel and a suitcase full of water. I guess they are not ready for civilian volunteers just yet. I should get my passport renewed so I can take my vacation there to help out in the months ahead when the camera crews have gone home. I donated $$$ to Doctors without Borders.

[lapfog_1]

8. If you want a commander on the ground that doesn't take "no" for an answer...

I would suggest this guy...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russel_L._Honor%C3%A9

Besides, he has a bit of experience with this sort of thing.

[rox63]

9. I always thought it was more like 5 days

That's what I recall hearing anyway. :shrug:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

10. I don't think people of dying from thirst is the issue.

I think people getting sick from contaminated water because they can't find clean water is the problem. People will be drinking from streams, puddles, urine, water from engine radiators, etc.

Oh, and Patton was a worthless piece of shit. Good George C. Scott movie, but fuck the real Patton.