COVID-19 - a disease of loneliness: a Russian-speaking nurse told what is happening in New York hospitals - ForumDaily
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COVID-19 - a disease of loneliness: a Russian-speaking nurse told what is happening in New York hospitals

In three weeks, coronavirus killed almost the same number of Americans as the September 11 attack. The medical staff makes every effort so that this number does not grow. A nurse from Ukraine, working in one of the Manhattan hospitals, told what is happening today "at the forefront." She emphasized that there is no need to make heroes out of doctors, and explained why. This publication writes "Voice of America".

Photo: Shutterstock

New Wuhan

In recent days, New York is called the “new Wuhan”, because the city has developed the most difficult situation in all of America. Here the sounds of the ambulance sirens do not cease for a minute. Every day, several thousand new coronavirus infections are discovered in the city.

To express support for medical workers who save the lives of New Yorkers, the most famous skyscraper in the United States - the Empire State Building - was illuminated in white and red colors, symbolizing the beacons of rescue vehicles.

One of the nurses, Ukrainian Irina Kot, spoke about what it was like to save human lives at the very epicenter of the disease.

At the front line

Irina Kot is 28 years old. She works as a nurse in one of the largest hospitals in New York. Most of those infected with coronavirus pass through this hospital in Manhattan, located next to Central Park. “Am I scared? I try not to think about it, because then I wouldn’t want to go to work,” Irina laughs. Despite the grueling work, Irina often smiles and tries to maintain a good mood.

Nurses work 12 hours, so it’s important to set yourself up morally, the girl notes. Upon entering the hospital, all your problems must be left behind the door.

Since the beginning of March, when a serious outbreak of COVID-19 began in the United States, Irina has been working either in infectious diseases departments and intensive care units, or in emergency rooms (Emergency Room). This is where they are now testing for coronavirus. In fact, today Irina is on the front line. Her hospital recently set up outdoor tents in Central Park because the building may soon run out of space. Everything is the same as in wartime, the author notes.

How paramedics defend

A respirator, gloves and a yellow disposable gown, which is tied at the side with a bow - that’s all the equipment. “I saw that in Italy or even in Ukraine doctors have entire overalls. It's so cool! We don’t have that,” Irina sighs. - We are given one mask a day - and this is also provided that you find the right size. I have a small face, and it’s rare to find masks that fit, there are only regular ones.”

All that Irina talks about with her colleagues at work these days is what to do when the masks end.

On the other hand, she notes, after just two hours of working in a mask, you want to take it off. “You sweat, the respirator puts pressure on your face and leaves deep marks with bruises on it - but you can’t fix it because you’re putting yourself at risk. And if the mask doesn’t fit correctly, they won’t give you a second one,” the girl notes.

But in any case, the lack of self-defense worries Irina much more than the inconvenience. Working without them is dangerous for both doctors and patients. “Perhaps you will save a person. But if you get sick yourself, it will be much worse, because 20-30 patients will be left unattended,” noted Irina.

The girl said that in one of the New York clinics, doctors put on garbage bags instead of overalls. Soon, a nurse from that department contracted the coronavirus and died.

Shoemaker without shoes

When asked about how many doctors got infected during the outbreak of coronavirus in the hospital where Irina works, she replied: “I would also like to know that. We don’t know, they don’t test us. ” And all because there are not enough tests, Irina explained.

However, she clarifies, not everything is so simple. “If tomorrow the test shows that I have coronavirus, what does that mean? Does this mean I shouldn't go to patients? - says the girl. “But in principle, all patients are also infected.”

Meanwhile, her hospital transferred the physicians in the risk zone to other departments. In the infectious, young and healthy remained to work. If they become ill, then most likely they will have mild symptoms and will continue to care for patients.

On the subject: 'They press us heavily': New York nurses openly talk about work during the COVID-19 epidemic

New York is conducting the most tests in the US, but there still aren't enough for everyone. Despite the fact that detected infections in the state are measured in tens of thousands, the real number of patients here is much higher, the source notes. Only those who need hospitalization are tested - that is, patients with moderate and complex symptoms. Young people without additional illnesses, even if they have been in contact with an infected person, are sent home to self-isolate. “We’d rather use this test for something complicated—to figure out whether it’s COVID-19 or the flu. People with strong immunity will be able to recover on their own, while others will not cope without our help. They don’t have ventilators at home.”

Everybody wants to test

But everyone wants to be tested, because when you know everything about your state of health, you become calmer. “A few days ago a car flew right under the door of our Emergency Room,” says Irina. — We immediately ran out - maybe the person had a heart attack or stroke? A woman comes out, crying and screaming that her husband is infected and has a headache.” Irina sighs. It is clear from the girl that she is tired of such stories. In the USA, she explained, people perceive it this way: “I pay taxes, which means it’s my legal right (to receive help - Ed.).”

Despite this, the nurse assures that in her hospital they do not divide people into rich and poor. Today, an important congressman or a millionaire may lie in one room, and a few days later - an illegal migrant or a homeless person. If a person is suffocating, he will definitely be tested for coronavirus and accepted. The hospital resolves the issue of insurance and payment later, if necessary - through the court. But that will come later—first, the main thing is to provide help.

Read more on ForumDaily New York.

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