CLEVELAND — If you think you're tired of hearing about the Coronavirus pandemic, just put yourself in the shoes of a caregiver.
“At the rate that we're going in the next two weeks we're going to be discussing our surge plans again,” said Dr. Amy Edwards, a pediatric infectious disease at University Hospitals.
And that's not good a sign, surge plans mean doctors, nurse and therapists will be forced into overdrive – an intense work schedule with long hours and little rest. A dangerous combination for those charged with providing the best care possible.
“When you start to surge past 100, 150% of capacity, you really are talking about less than optimal therapy. Because you're talking about doctors, not taking days off. You're talking about nurses working significant amounts of overtime,” explains Dr. Edwards.
According to Dr. Amy Edwards, she isn't saying they aren't prepared to do their jobs. She's simply warning Ohioans hospitals aren't as efficient when they're overwhelmed.
“I can tell you that doctors and nurses and respiratory therapists are only human. If you guys push us to our limits, we are going to make mistakes. And more people will get hurt and more people will die. Like we cannot do this,” said explains.
As long hospitals stay below maximum capacity, patients will get the expert care they need. But once surge plans go into affect, it's all hands on deck, with disregard to what department you are based out of typically.
“I'm a doctor in this hospital, and in December, instead of working with kids, I could be working with COVID patients. Which is fine, I'll do my job. It's my job and I'll do it,”
However, there jobs would be made a lot easier, if we all take the necessary precautions.
“It really is time for people to decide what is more important, your social life, or life.”