Through the eyes of a paramedic
Emer-G-med paramedics said that while they feel worry and concern during this time, they are not afraid. They are grateful that they have the opportunity to help those in need.
During this lockdown, residents should spare a thought for essential staff who still need to be outside during this critical time.
Health workers and emergency workers are some of the most valued members of society, spending every day attending to citizens who need help and playing a role in saving the lives of critically ill or injured patients.
Former physician and anaesthesiologist, Steve Black effectively explained the role of a paramedic: “Paramedics save lives; they stabilise critical patients and make them as comfortable as possible while promptly transporting them to hospital. They keep patients warm, attempt to ease their anxiety and keep them responsive by talking to them and explaining what they are doing, and are highly skilled in resuscitation.”
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Paramedics are the link that save patients in life-threatening situations. Without them, patients who are potentially savable could die. They perform a crucial function in being much more proficient in their skills than first-aiders.
Emer-G-med is an emergency response organisation with highly trained paramedics, and is one of the essential services working during this outbreak.
Its paramedics said that while they feel worry and concern during this time, they are not afraid. They are grateful that they have the opportunity to help those in need.
Several precautionary measures have been implemented to lower potential risks that the paramedics may face during this critical time. The Emer-G-med team has been equipped with masks, high-risk gloves, goggles and aprons to lower exposure to the virus. Each vehicle has hand sanitizer for both the staff and the patients, and ambulances are deep-cleaned each time a patient has been transported. These measures have eased fears that the paramedics may have had as to contracting the virus.
Another positive side of the lockdown is the number of cases that they need to respond to. Comfort is found in knowing that less people are at risk of not only contracting coronavirus, but also of life-threatening vehicle accidents.
Lindi Ross, a paramedic for Emer-G-med shared simple, yet viable advice, “Be safe and stay home”.
