A:
There is a combination of heightened mental and physical stress with any patient encounter now, as you think, ‘do I need extra precautions to stay safe?’ The testing situation is better, but there are still huge shortages of N95 masks, which are critical. It’s one thing to go into battle with full armor, another thing with only half the armor you need.
Q: What personal challenges does this create?
A:
There’s a lot of concern about protecting our families. If you treat someone positive for the virus, what can you do? Some practitioners shower before they go home, wipe down surfaces in their cars, change clothes in the garage, and don’t allow kids in the car. Some physicians are going even further by quarantining themselves from loved ones or sending their immediate family (spouse and kids) away to other family members, despite not showing any symptoms.
Q: What do you most wish people knew now about helping first responders?
A
: Three things can help us:
•
DONATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
If you have personal protective equipment, please donate it to those caring for your community. To find out how, check https://getusppe.org/.
• AVOID USING 911 WHEN POSSIBLE:
Encourage the public to be mindful: Emergency vehicles are
not taxis. Their call could keep the unit from a true emergency. Every time EMS providers see a patient,
they have specific stringent steps they must follow, including tests and a deep clean of the rig.
• STAY FOCUSED ON FLATTENING THE CURVE
: We must flatten the curve as much as possible
by following strict social distancing and adhering to the shelter-in-place order. The more we can delay
new cases, the more we are likely not to overwhelm the health system AND be closer to new treatment
options, such as vaccines. This is the singular goal we can all work on together to help providers,
patients, and the community.
Most of all, Dr. Chiang says that he is inspired by how local responders have reacted to the crisis. “Morale
for most nurses, physicians, and EMS crews is still pretty high. I see leaders rising to the occasion, and a lot
of altruism.”
Our deep appreciation, again, goes to Dr. Chiang and the many other health professionals working so
hard to keep us safe.
