By Pratik Joshi, Herald staff writer

RICHLAND — Saving lives is Dr. John Matheson's full-time job, and when disaster hit Haiti he knew he needed to help.

The director of Kadlec Regional Medical Center's emergency department put his medical skills to good use in Haiti, taking care of hundreds of people injured by the massive earthquake that hit the island nation in January.

As part of a relief mission to Haiti organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he spent two weeks treating wounds, caring for those with serious medical problems and even helped deliver a baby, Matheson said.

Many of his patients had suffered fractures, infected wounds or developed diarrhea because of unsanitary conditions, said Matheson, who worked with two other physicians.

The medical team realized they may not be able to make a huge change in the overall situation made worse by the absence of infrastructure and trained personnel, but they did bring direct physical and emotional relief to patients, Matheson said.

He said he volunteered for his first-ever relief mission because he wanted to make use of the skills he has. "It was difficult to sit back and watch," he said, adding that it was very satisfying to make a difference.

A lot of work still needs to be done in Haiti, he said. That includes building new medical facilities and educating local care providers so they can take over once volunteer physicians and health care professionals leave.

Matheson, who's been with Kadlec for four years, said he would like to encourage other doctors to volunteer in Haiti. His advice: Find a group with local contacts in Haiti so volunteers know what the needs are in advance and can plan accordingly.