As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe, doctors and other healthcare workers are witnessing limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly appropriate masks, and being confronted by difficult situations that pit their desire to remain safe against their duty to help patients.
In this book, A world-leading epidemiologist shares his stories from the front lines of our war on infectious diseases and explains how to prepare for epidemics that can challenge world order.
It is very disheartening reading this book and living with today;s reality on Covid-19, that part of the stemming problem now is we can protect the healthcare soldiers in the front line.
With the shortage of appropriate masks, healthcare workers have had to come up some work-arounds, including buying their own masks (when they can find them) from hardware stores. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on strategies to optimize the supply of facemasks even includes a recommendation to consider using scarves or bandanas as a last resort. “However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect healthcare personnel is unknown,” the CDC states. “Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.”
We salute our soldiers in the front lines.
The sacrifice healthcare workers are being asked to make during this chaotic and dangerous time, often in the absence of appropriate protective gear. Safety for those on the front lines of the pandemic translates into benefits for society at large.
May God Bless these soldiers and their families.
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