On Tuesday, the world rejoiced as all 12 boys and their soccer coach spent their first day in weeks rescued and outside the treacherous Thailand cave.
Top News Today
It’s being called “17 days that will be remembered forever.” A daring team of Navy Seals staged a stunning miracle in bravery, expertise, and sheer luck by removing 4 boys on Sunday, 4 more boys on Monday, then the 4 remaining boys and their coach early Tuesday. As each of the 13 emerged from the watery cavern, they were immediately given blindfolds (considering it had been more than 2 weeks since they saw sunlight) then whisked away to the hospital for emergency evaluation and treatment.
So, what’s next for the 13 survivors of the Thailand cave disaster?
Early word from doctors is that the overall physical health of each boy and the coach is positive. However, all of them are currently in quarantine and only able (for now) to see their families from behind glass (so as to protect their weakened immune systems from being accidentally infected by a loved one). All 13 are expected to remain in the hospital for several days to receive intravenous medicines and to be slowly reintroduced to solid foods. However, the boys are anxious to taste some of their favorite meals as soon as possible. According to 14-year-old Poowadet Khamngern, he has planned a special first meal for his friends the moment they’re allowed to leave the hospital.
“We’re going to eat fried chicken at KFC,” he said.
As to what they can actually eat, Jesada Chokdumrongsuk, deputy director-general of Thailand’s Public Health Ministry said the boys were provided nutritional gel packs by the first team of divers last week. However, doctors are now allowing some of the healthier boys who were rescued on the first day to eat real food.
“The boys are frequently hungry because their bodies need food,” Jesada said. “This morning the first 4 boys asked for bread and chocolate spread.”
Top News Today
Although their physical conditions appear to be stabilizing, questions are understandably arising regarding their long-term mental health.
According to psychologist Jamie Aten, founder of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, the mental health of each of the 13 Thailand cave survivors must be monitored very closely since recovery will almost certainly be a lifelong process.
“I think right now – especially considering how long these boys have been isolated and the physical and emotional trauma – they likely will continue to struggle emotionally for a period of time,” Aten said. He added that their young age could also make them prone to emotional damage and that their loved ones should be prepared to offer as much emotional support as needed.
Officials say all 13 Thailand cave survivors are in “high spirits.” Although some of the boys have a lung infection, they are generally “healthy and smiling.”
“They are athletes, so their bodies resist illness well,” an official said.
By late Tuesday, the boys freed Sunday resumed normal vision. However, those brought out Monday and Tuesday are having to wear sunglasses until their eyes have reacclimated to light.
Thankfully, the Thailand cave 13 are rescued, alive and safe. Their physical ordeal is over, but their mental challenges have only just begun.
Their future may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: their tragic story with a gloriously happy ending is going to make one hell of a movie!
Wow. Thanks DJ. The video really does provide a visual of the magnitude of the challenge faced by rescuers and the rescued alike. It’s nothing short of a miracle that all (save one rescuer) made it out alive and with no major injury.
Personally, I can’t imagine what those boys and their coach have been through mentally and emotionally. The strain had to have been significant. And I pray they’re able to receive the appropriator long-term care that may be necessary for a few, if not most or all, of them.