Medics from Bermuda are having to practice "bush medicine" amid challenging conditions in Haiti, according to Christopher Johnson.

He's been helping earthquake victims there since Sunday, along with doctors Stanley James and Alicia Stovell-Washington.

They're assisted by a number of Bermuda-based medical technicians, and are working out of a medical clinic in Bon Repos funded by Bermudian Phillip Rego.

Giving an update yesterday, Dr. Johnson said Tuesday was "very challenging" as a young girl went into respiratory arrest while they were treating her for a fractured arm.

"Without oxygen, she required mouth to mouth resuscitation for ten minutes and she recovered. This is 'bush' medicine but we have to use the resources that we have," he said.

"The patient returned today without any consequences but we are reminded that the technological advances of the past two decades can be substituted by common sense and ingenuity.

"My team performed 24 procedures and an additional 20 patients were evaluated. Surgeries consisted of finger amputations, wound debridements, setting of broken bones, and care for patients with severe back injuries."

Several of the patients treated by the team came from a "tent city" erected near the clinic, two of whom were suffering from infections of their wounds.

Dr. Johnson had spoken earlier this week of challenges in getting the necessary supplies. These are now on order from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

The team is also being assisted by two Army Airborne Rangers, Dr. Johnson said: "These guys were a wonderful sight to behold because it also means that the soldiers can bring sick patients to us. The second wave of this calamity is overwhelming infections, diarrheal disease, and malnutrition."

Meanwhile, another 18-strong contingent of aid workers funded by the Cornerstone Foundation are en route to Haiti. The Bermuda-based church charity has teamed up with the US medical aid organisation Angel Wings International to send two planes full of aid.

The team took a scheduled flight to Miami yesterday to pick up medical supplies and food, and will continue their onward journey by charter flight today.

l A picture caption in yesterday's story incorrectly stated that EMT David Foley is employed by King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. In fact, he is not affiliated with the hospital and is working independently for the Bermuda mission in Haiti.