Due to the strong blow of the wind, my 4 years old son’s third finger on left hand was caught between the car and car door, which slammed forcefully. Since his finger was about to break off, we rushed to the nearest hospital.

        Without any hemostasis, hospital staff asked to purchase vaccine to prevent infection and other antibiotics (Most hospitals in Cebu do not prepare this items for you), payment for X-rays (They will not take X-rays prior to payment), X-rays and IV. At this point, an hour and half have passed.

        “Please wait for a moment as we are still trying to contact the specialist” “We were able to contact, but doctor is still in the middle of operation. He may be able to come here by 7 o’clock.”

        It was 3 O’clock when my son’s finger was caught in the car, so the wait felt like forever. While waiting, we discovered the IV was leaking. They have tried to insert the needle numerous times, but failed each time. Each time they fail to insert the needle, my son cries and screams in pain. The same time this is going on, they also tried to extract blood from his toe for blood test, but this did not go well as well. I panicked when I saw the tremendous amount of blood from my screaming son.

        Ms. N, a friend of mine who have been living in Cebu, came over with her Filipino friend Ms. M, whom had similar experience as mine. I was surprised on how Ms. M makes arrangement with the doctor and hospitals. I always had this stereotype that Filipinos are laid back and not very reliable, but her rich knowledge and have some powerful connections.

        My son’s toe continued bleeding while he transfers to different hospital. I was very worried whether his finger will go back to normal and how this substantial bleeding might cause serious problem. At this time, it was already past 10PM.

        A doctor gave my son proper treatment, as soon as we reached the hospital. The operation will start at 6AM, since he have to be under general anesthesia. (Stomach must be empty) After the doctor calmed me down, he gave me proper explanation and answered clearly to my questions. For the first time since my stay in Cebu, I was able to meet trusted doctor. The operation performed the following morning was great success.

　        “It is important to have family doctor. In case of emergency, your family doctor will recommend specialist and hospital. It is a common practice in the Philippines.”

        I’ve learned this valuable lesson from Ms. N and Ms. M. I don’t like someone will experience what I have experienced. I would like to recommend everyone to have trusted family doctor.