By: Amy Liao
When the first of COVID-19 infections became prevalent in North America, people began to feel anxious. In the span of a week, the number of hospital patients rose significantly, inciting chaos in the emergency department. Panicked by the crisis, all sorts of people started coming in, demanding testing and treatment. While some were perfectly fine and simply wanted confirmation, others had legitimate, worrisome symptoms. Despite the reason for their arrival in the ER, all patients could do was wait due to the overwhelming amount of other patients. Severely disconcerted, the public flooded into the only place that would provide them help.
As the number of cases continues to increase without a vaccine in sight, the healthcare system faces immense pressure. The work environment of an ER doctor evolved rapidly. Meetings and discussions about “finding the best way to treat a patient” became a daily activity, shifts became longer than usual, and ER doctors treated countless patients as the hours went by. Now, physicians are using their knowledge from medical school more than ever— throwing out any possible solution they can think of.
Moreover, the amount of PPE available is becoming an alarming issue. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment— such as face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, head covers, masks, and respirators. This equipment is in high demand, and countries are struggling to secure these life-saving items. Many outskirts and small cities struggle even more to obtain PPE, as most of this equipment’s distribution is concentrated in larger cities.
As for the staff in the ER, physicians are constantly worried about the shortage of these crucial materials. There are also shortages on ventilators and testing kits for patients, on top of the various PPE shortages for those treating them. Reusing masks has been a common trend for many ER doctors, and it has sadly taken the lives of too many. Frank Grablin, a physician forced to reuse his mask for 4 days in a row, sadly passed away--among thousands of other doctors in the same situation.
With growing concerns on the availability of PPE and the extended work hours, anxiety taunts the doctors and nurses as well. Dr. Lorna Breen had been an ER doctor in New York City. She worked 18-hour shifts and slept in the hallways of the emergency department. Without PPE, she ended up contracting the virus herself. She recovered but continued to work 12-hour shifts. Dr. Breen was faced with overwhelming amounts of stress and anxiety, leading her to make the heartbreaking decision to end her own life. As a society, we often forget to realize that anxiety can take a toll on doctors and nurses and the sacrifices they make. There are many risks involved in these medical professions, but they all take that risk in order to help put an end to this active pandemic.
We must not forget other pressures that ER doctors face, such as the circumstances in which they have to talk to the family members of the sick. It is definitely not uncommon, but it has most definitely increased in the past several months. It is heartbreaking to let one’s family know that the chance of their relative surviving is low— let alone having to confront more than 50 families every day.
Fortunately, the support for ER doctors is also ramping up to ease the weight on their shoulders. In countries, such as Canada, local residents are showing their appreciation by banging their pots and pans at 7 p.m. every night. Others are sending cards and posters, while some restaurants donate nourishment. ER doctors appreciate this support more than ever, and it is always good knowing that the public is here for them through thick and thin.
The pressure experienced by ER doctors is unfathomable, and it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. However, they rely on us as much as we rely on them. They count on us to continue to practice social distancing, wash our hands, and remain at home when we think we have symptoms. As we do our part, we can slowly ease the burden on top of their shoulders. In the meantime, continue to show your support for our emergency room doctors and recognize all that they do.
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