Living in Emergency

Film poster for Living in Emergency

Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders is a 2008 documentary film directed by Mark N. Hopkins. The film provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by doctors working with the international humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. The documentary focuses on the personal and professional lives of four doctors as they navigate the complexities of providing medical care in crisis zones.

Overview

The film is set in the war-torn regions of Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the doctors are deployed to provide emergency medical assistance. It highlights the harsh realities and ethical dilemmas faced by the medical staff as they work under extreme conditions with limited resources.

Featured Doctors

The documentary follows four doctors:

• Dr. Tom Krueger - An experienced surgeon from Germany, Dr. Krueger is depicted as a dedicated professional struggling with the emotional toll of his work.
• Dr. Chris Brasher - A young doctor from Australia, Dr. Brasher is on his first mission with MSF and faces the challenges of adapting to the demanding environment.
• Dr. Davinder Gill - A seasoned physician from India, Dr. Gill brings his expertise to the field but grapples with the limitations of the available medical infrastructure.
• Dr. Chiara Lepora - An Italian doctor who serves as the head of mission, Dr. Lepora is responsible for overseeing operations and ensuring the well-being of both patients and staff.

Themes

Living in Emergency explores several key themes:

• Humanitarianism - The film delves into the motivations and ethical considerations of working in humanitarian aid, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by the doctors.
• Resource Scarcity - It portrays the difficulties of providing adequate medical care with limited supplies and personnel.
• Emotional Resilience - The documentary examines the psychological impact of working in high-stress environments and the coping mechanisms employed by the doctors.

Production

The film was produced by Red Floor Pictures and shot on location in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was released in 2008 and has been screened at various film festivals, receiving critical acclaim for its candid portrayal of the challenges faced by humanitarian workers.

Impact

Living in Emergency has been praised for raising awareness about the work of Médecins Sans Frontières and the broader issues of global health and humanitarian aid. It has been used as an educational tool in medical schools and humanitarian training programs to illustrate the complexities of working in crisis situations.

Related pages

• Médecins Sans Frontières
• Humanitarian aid
• Global health
• Documentary film