Updated: November 18, 2020
Originally Published: November 18, 2020
We understand that our choices have consequences; it’s a lesson we impart to our children. Yet, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals still refuse to take simple precautions like wearing masks or practicing proper hand hygiene. Some believe they are immune until they find themselves needing urgent care after contracting the virus.
These individuals enter a healthcare system already stretched to its limits, being cared for by professionals who are worn out and, in some cases, battling illness themselves yet still asked to report for duty due to staffing shortages. As we navigate through the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 together, it’s vital to remember that the doctors, nurses, support staff, and receptionists in our hospitals have families and face fears and anxieties just like the rest of us. Despite this, they show up day after day to care for us and to save the lives of our loved ones.
Recently, the U.S. surpassed 11 million COVID-19 cases, with California alone accounting for over 1 million. Families across the nation are grappling with misinformation and uncertainty about the health of themselves and their loved ones in the weeks ahead. What we do know is the importance of adhering to the recommended precautions to help slow the spread of the virus and protect our healthcare workers.
Unless we have experienced hospitalization due to COVID-19 or have had a loved one in a medical facility, we may not fully grasp the multitude of healthcare professionals involved in keeping patients alive. From doctors and nurses to custodians, technicians, respiratory therapists, and spiritual care teams, there is a collaborative effort to ensure that every patient receives the comprehensive care they need.
As highlighted in an article by writer Alex Carr, “Intensive-care units are aptly named. A typical patient suffering from a severe case of COVID-19 may require a ventilator monitored by a respiratory therapist and might need dialysis if their kidneys fail. Daily, they must be repositioned, a task that necessitates a team of six or seven people.” It’s not just medication saving these patients—it’s the dedicated efforts of real people: nurses, doctors, and specialists. Carr elaborates, “Patients may have multiple tubes connected to their heart, receiving a cocktail of up to a dozen different medications. An ICU nurse, who usually manages two patients, may find all their attention consumed by a single COVID-19 patient, whose stay is often three times longer than that of typical patients.”
The situation extends beyond the initial emergency room visit; it involves the entire process of care upon entering the hospital. Healthcare workers strive to ensure patients feel comfortable physically and emotionally, guiding them toward recovery. Critical COVID-19 patients demand more attention, care, and intervention than most others, putting immense strain on hospital staff.
With hospital capacity already stretched to its limits, Dr. Lisa Thompson, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, warns, “The wave of cases is still on the rise. We’re all operating under a cloud of fear. The healthcare system in our state is on the brink of collapse.” Moreover, with flu season coinciding with the pandemic, others requiring medical care for non-COVID-related issues also need attention.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, where COVID-19 cases are predicted to surge, it’s crucial to act sensibly. We must prioritize staying home and consider self-quarantine, as we cannot rely on a federal response to adequately support our healthcare staff. It falls upon us to take responsibility—for our own health, for the wellbeing of our families, and for the safety of the healthcare workers who are essential to our survival.
We all can contribute to alleviating the burdens that our healthcare professionals face daily. They risk their lives to help us, and like us, they have families to provide for. They should not have to face life-threatening risks because of our negligence or lack of compassion.
So, what can you do to help? It’s straightforward: stay home, wear a mask when necessary, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands regularly. These actions are grounded in common sense. None of us are invincible; science is real, and the guidelines provided by health experts are effective.
We all have a role to play—let’s step up.
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Summary:
Our healthcare workers are facing unprecedented burnout, largely due to public negligence during the COVID-19 pandemic. As cases rise, it’s essential to remember the sacrifices made by these professionals and take personal responsibility by adhering to health guidelines. Simple actions like staying home, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene can significantly alleviate the pressure on our healthcare system.