For children, injuries can often happen in the most ordinary circumstances. Still, you don’t usually expect your child to face life-long disability after running around with friends.
Yet that’s exactly what happened to ten-year-old Samnang. After a bad fall onto his arm in the schoolyard, Samnang’s school principal rushed him to a local clinic and called his grandparents — Samnang’s only caregivers after his parents abandoned him as a baby.
“When I got the call about Samnang’s injury, I was so scared. As grandparents, we feel helpless not being able to provide better care for our only grandchild. Since he didn’t receive the love he needed from his parents, all we’ve wanted is to shield him from any further pain in life.”
Nimith, Samnang’s grandfather
The clinic staff immediately saw that Samnang’s arm was severely broken. Out of their depth, they told Nimith to take Samnang to AHC — four hours away from their home in Poipet.
Nevertheless, Nimith quickly grabbed a taxi and began the journey with Samnang to Siem Reap. They arrived at AHC’s emergency room that night.
“When we saw Samnang’s arm, we immediately knew this was an emergency — it couldn’t wait.”
Dr Prak Farrilend, AHC surgeon
Samnang’s x-ray showed his arm had a complete fracture, meaning the two bones connecting his forearm and upper arm completely detached from each other.
“We almost never see this kind of fracture. It’s extremely dangerous. Any delay in treatment meant his whole arm could die. He would’ve had to have it amputated or permanently lost the ability to use his arm and hand.”
Dr Prak Farrilend, AHC surgeon
Dr Farrilend and his surgical team rushed Samnang into surgery. Like he said – it couldn’t wait.
“I sat outside the operating room nervously for two hours, waiting to hear news of my grandson. But when the doctor came out and explained his situation step by step, I felt so relieved. All the medical staff were so helpful — I knew I made the right choice in bringing Samnang to AHC.”
Nimith, Samnang’s grandfather
The surgery was a success, and Samnang came out of the operation in high spirits.
“It was a difficult procedure, but we had all the right materials and skills to help him. It’s great that AHC has such a strong reputation, even far away in clinics in Poipet. It meant that we could save Samnang’s arm in time. And that means everything to me.”
Dr Prak Farrilend, AHC surgeon
