Rescue medical activities among sea migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean region: lessons to be learned from the 2014–2020 period

Abstract

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Experiences of Healthcare Providers Who Provide Emergency Care to Migrant Children Who Arriving in Spain by Small Boats (Patera): A Qualitative Study

“…The health of newly arrived ChIMs is reflects the journey they have taken, which includes risks to their physical and mental well-being [ 21 , 43 ]. Our results agree with those of other studies, in that the ChIMs need health care due to dehydration, malnutrition, dermatological and gastrointestinal problems, and chronic diseases [ 24 , 26 , 43 ]. They have high rates of post-traumatic stress and psychological anguish due to the traumatic events experienced or their separation from their families [ 21 , 43 ].…”

“…During their transit, the ChIMs live in forests and camps in unhealthy conditions, with limited access to basic food, potable water, and the health system [ 4 , 16 ]. They can also experience anxiety, stress, and other psychological problems due to their witnessing of, or exposure to, situations of violence [ 21 , 24 ]; many become victims of sexual exploitation or forced labor [ 20 ]. ChIMs embark on dangerous journeys in “pateras” in overcrowded conditions, in fear or sedated [ 26 ].…”

“…ChIMs embark on dangerous journeys in “pateras” in overcrowded conditions, in fear or sedated [ 26 ]. The maritime rescue teams prioritize the rescue of ChIMs, need special care, and are transferred to the closest port to be taken care of by emergency teams [ 24 ]. After their arrival in Spain, their right to healthcare is guaranteed through the organization of volunteers such as the Red Cross [ 4 , 14 , 25 ].…”

“…ChIMs risk their lives in the ocean as they try to reach Spain, where they are rescued by Maritime Rescue [ 23 , 24 ]. After their arrival on the Spanish coast, they are taken care of by the Red Cross and Security Forces of the state, who provide the response to the emergency [ 25 ].…”

“…ChIMs arrive to the new country without documents that verify their age, identity, or relationships with the adults who accompany them [ 14 ]. ChIMs need information that is understandable [ 27 ], care that is culturally adapted [ 18 , 20 ], psychological care due to the traumatic events of the journey [ 24 ], bone tests to determine their age [ 30 ], DNA tests to demonstrate their biological relationships [ 31 ], and an assessment to detect signs of trafficking [ 32 ]. After the emergency care, ChIMs are guarded by the national police, and afterwards, they are taken to host centers or centers for the protection of children [ 14 , 20 , 26 ].…”