Read on Twitter
I wish you could see what I see every day. Loved ones crying at the bedside of their family members struggling to breathe despite maximum oxygen. The look in their eyes when I tell them, there is a high probability their loved one might die despite being on a ventilator. 1/8
A 90 year old is not going to survive chest compressions resulting in sternum and rib fractures, if their heart stops beating. There is also a very low likelihood of elderly patients in their 80s getting off a ventilator if intubated for COVID. 2/8
I know holidays are near, but the pandemic is here. I'm not trying to be a downer, but please have these discussions with your elderly family members before the time comes in an emergency room. 3/8 https://www.harborlighthospice.com/blog/what-is-a-do-not-intubate-order/
I was overwhelmed today and so were my colleagues. There are sick patients and very few BEDS in the state. Well there are beds, but no nurses or doctors to staff those beds so they are nonexistent. 4/8
During the first wave, we were able to recruit from other states, but since all states are being overwhelmed by COVID, there are few places to get help from. There are a record 76,830 hospitalizations nationwide. 5/8
This is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). It costs 1,500 but protects against COVID. I used it the first time today for an intubation and it was a godsend! No fogging like goggles under high pressure situations. Thankful our ER made this investment to protect us! 6/8
It was a really busy day today. I still have notes to write, but I'm tired. When I left the ER, the rooms were filling up with COVID patients. Shortness of breath and hypoxia. 7/8
I'll leave you with this... a patient told me, "I don't know how I got COVID when I wear this cloth mask all the time."
"That mask doesn't protect you against COVID," I replied. Then I recited this graphic. Stay safe everyone!
"That mask doesn't protect you against COVID," I replied. Then I recited this graphic. Stay safe everyone!
