Oh wow. What a lucky day, indeed.
Here’s the report of the scramble for the exits before the flood.
I also read where the Aussie doctor was the last to emerge from the cave only to learn that his father had passed away while he was in there. Very sad for him. Didn’t save the link but it was in a CNN story.
edit: I also see it mentioned deep in the link in post #281.
Doctors explain why the kids are being quarantined. One of the reasons is to make sure their own immune systems can protect them from any germs their visitors might bring.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trapped-thai-boys-being-closely-watched-health-problems-212226907.html
One thing I didn’t see reported in this thread…it has been reported that the boys were given anti-anxiety medication to help that go through the dark, narrow, watery passageways without panicking. I would never have thought of that but it sounds like a good idea.
Yes, that was probably a good idea. Something that does not act as a sedative, probably.
I just looked up - Thailand is on the WHO’s list of countries with the highest TB prevalence. It is likely that the kids are being monitored for that (if any latent TB is present), plus to make sure that they are not exposed to the infection. A person can harbor TB for a long time and not know it if the immune system keeps it in check.
Actually, BBC reports that they were sedated but breathing and were carried on stretchers through the stretches of the cave where there was no flooding.
Yes, it sounds like they were given anti-anxiety Rx/sedation so there would be no panic, as panic would likely have been fatal—to child and others. The amount of sedation was probably whatever the UK anesthesiologist diver recommended, since he was so widely respected.
It was a miracle that the cave diver doctor was an anesthesiologist! I am sure his expertise helped.
@HImom and @BunsenBurner I think you two should write the movie script! You have all the details. 
These parents showed remarkable restraint and class while waiting for their children. I can only imagine American parents in this situation. There would be riots at the cave entrance and hundreds of lawyers swarming around.
^^And the media would be hanging like bats off the ceiling of that cave!
Actually, sorry, mistyped, the cave-diving anesthesiologist doc is from Australia and specially requested as he’s elite and well-respected, having dived for over 30 years. His judgement was sought about whether boys and coach were healthy enough to attempt escape. He got news his dad died after he exited the cave. I’m sure his dad was happy and proud of the doc’s role in the rescue.
Everyone following directives and not getting in the way of the mission was critical to the success.
“These parents showed remarkable restraint and class while waiting for their children. I can only imagine American parents in this situation. There would be riots at the cave entrance and hundreds of lawyers swarming around.”
Gotta say… Honestly, I don’t know where you live that you have such a low opinion of American parents ( or lawyers).
You really need to move to a better part of the country if you think your neighbors would react like that.
But pretty sure the media would be hanging like bats in the cave…
^^^ But bashing the media is just fine?
Pretty hypocritical given how much we all have been depending upon the news media for constant updates during this rescue mission. I’m very grateful for the work the media do, delivering the best information they can, often at great personal risk. Personally, I’ve had enough of casual media-bashing.
I thought the media coverage was very good, but I was hungry for more info. I understand they wanted to keep the information limited, but selfishly wanted more. When the news outlets didn’t get briefings, they seem to speculate or maybe even just made it up. Weakest out first? Healthiest? Coach out, coach in?
If everything had gone wrong, we’d all be second guessing everything they’d told us.
I’m just glad that they did what had to be done and didn’t worry about keeping the media constantly in the loop. None of us really had any NEED to know the details until after the successful completion of the mission. We, the general public don’t need to be coddled and really have no NEED to be in on the details. Missions that are very time critical and have a lot of details that need to be ironed out and done precisely need to be moved on and they were.
Most media, most parents, most attorneys are very good and honorable people, whether in the US or in another country. It was very helpful to authorities that the country is one that is happy to get help from other countries instead of standing on pride or other impediments and refusing to ask for assistance. It is wonderful that the fabulous rescue was the result of such wholehearted cooperation and collaboration. Kudos to everyone.
There is media and then there is media. It is not the BBC or other reputable outlets, it is the fringe speculators I was talking about. The sensationalism seeking paparazzi kind. Actually, I am glad the officials kept all reporters out of the cave as it was crowded as it is. We will get more photos and accounts now that the rescuers are safely out and can talk to the media.
Now more details are coming out.
Interesting article about why this story was so riveting and drew so much attention while other tragedies with more involved don’t.