Working in a COVID ICU is tough especially after donning the Personal Protective Equipment. and doffing it off takes about half an hour each. As these gears are one- time use, we forget our normal human needs like food, water, fresh air or even using the bathroom during the six-hour shift. Since only one PPE is allocated per shift, in few hospitals in the US they often wear adult diapers to avoid using toilets," he wrote in the blog.
He also described what it feels like to be inside the PPE kit. He said that 'well-fitted headgear allows no air leaks' and 'breathing becomes difficult'. He goes on to say that it is very 'hot and suffocating' and communication between health care teams also becomes very difficult. 'Even if I shout, my voice comes out as a mumble. During emergencies, we are extra cautious because even a small communication gap can lead to a lot of complications. For now, a checklist is prepared in advance and much of our communication is done through sign language,' he wrote in his blog post.
"By the end of the six-hour shift, all of us are exhausted and drained out. There are times that I have just wanted to step out and breathe in the fresh air, just for a few minutes. But I know these are luxuries for some other day. At present this is the minimum we can do for our country," he further added.
He also lamented about the abuse and the physical assault faced by doctors, saying that it 'disheartens' him and makes him 'question his career choice.'
Thankfully, the government introduced the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which aims to protect health workers from violence.
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