GENEVA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The trauma unit at a major hospital in the Central African Republic (CR) capital is full after an outbreak of fighting, where ambulances ferrying the wounded have faced delays due to street battles and barricades, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Friday.
The ICRC said it and the Central African Red Cross (CRCA) are providing emergency services following the eruption of violence in Bangui's PK5 district on April 8.
"Our 34-bed trauma unit at Bangui's community hospital is completely full," Marcelle Baltzinger, ICRC's hospital project manager, was quoted as saying in a statement.
"We have set up a close surveillance room and another casualty ward. They are full as well. We have two tents ready to be put up in case of need. They can accommodate at least another 20 patients," he added.
Bangui's community hospital has received 52 people injured in the fighting so far. Ten surgical operations were carried out on Tuesday, including eight by an ICRC surgeon.
At the same time, CRCA volunteers have been working in the hospital around-the-clock to carry patients on stretchers, run triage, and give support to ensure that people receive quick care.
"Every person who is wounded or in need of medical care during violence is entitled to safe and timely access to facilities where they can be treated," said Diana Stoecklin, the acting head of the ICRC's delegation in CAR.
