(SEARDF)

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
(Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher, 570 - 490 BC)

Land Mine Basics - Cambodia

Perhaps he was taking a short cut home from a long day at work; perhaps she was collecting flowers for the dinner table. Perhaps he was walking on the usual trail, but some extra rain softened the ground just enough. An almost inaudible click, a tremendous explosion rocks the peaceful countryside, then the smell of gunpowder and burning flesh. Another innocent land mine victim lies in the dust, mortally wounded, near death. Help is generally slow to arrive, due to the very legitimate fear of additional land mines in the immediate area.

According to an article in the Bangkok Post on May 17, 2001, the number of people killed by land mines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia surged to over 100 for the month of March, 2001. 101 civilians and 2 military personnel were killed. This was the highest number of deaths reported in a single month since May 1999. The maiming and killing continues to this day.

For a sobering look at the physics of these terrible land mine injuries, click on http://www.camnet.com.kh/cambodia.daily/Land_Mine/mines.htm

As devastating as the physical injuries sustained from a land mine accident are, the psychological problems are equally destructive. Many land mine victims, both men and women, are the heads of a family. With almost no chance of ever obtaining gainful employment in a country as poor as Cambodia, the prospects of a very bleak future and the pressures of being responsible for the family are overwhelming and quickly drain the will to live.

During the approximate six months of rehabilitation, physical factors are addressed, such as healing and care of the stump, strengthening of the arms and chest muscles and balance improvement to walk with crutches. However, it is very important to address the psychological factors as well.

Leg amputees are classified as "Above-the-Knee" (AK), and "Below-the-Knee" (BK). The knee joint is very important in balance and foot control during standing and walking. A BK amputee has the benefit of the knee joint to help him control walking and is generally walking fairly well without crutches. An AK amputee has lost the knee joint. Here, the prosthetic limb, if the person is lucky enough to have one, is usually designed with a straight, locked knee to support the body weight during walking. There is usually a little lever which, when moved, allows the knee joint of the prosthesis to bend for sitting.