Cellphone lights enable operation to proceed in blackout

Hearing that a cellphone saved someone's life isn't exactly surprising these days, but it was the manner in which a bundle of handsets enabled doctors to continue on in a recent operation that differentiated this one from the rest. Reportedly, the backup generators at the Policlinico Juan D. Peron hospital in Argentina failed to activate after the power went out whilst an appendix surgery was ongoing, but rather than panicking, a family member gathered up a number of phones in order to provide enough light for the surgeons and anesthetists to keep on keepin' on. According to the hospital director, the operation went on without proper lighting for no more than 20 minutes, but thanks to the beaming LCDs, the fellow under the knife came through just fine.

[Via Switched, image courtesy of foto8]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 31st 2007 8:44AM]

In related news, a surgery in Argentina was broadcasted with a mobile phone camera. Although a bit dark, the images were decent since the doctor's hands were not moving too fast. Obviously the signal strength in the hospital was good enough to allow a smooth data stream. No word whether GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS was used, or how the patient is faring. If you want to check for yourself, search your favourite video sharing site. But beware, it might get bloody.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 31st 2007 1:35PM]

...was that really necessary?