Perspectives from an ER Doctor: No PPE

As most of you know, my sister Emily is an emergency room doctor. I’ve asked her to keep me updated regarding the challenges at work, and I’m going to convert her messages into a series of blog posts.

Emily has been home on maternity leave, with her beautiful new baby girl. She starts back to work today. In preparation, she texted a coworker yesterday to ask what to expect.

Her coworker said, “snag a face shield if you can find one and keep it in your bag.”

A face shield is a piece of plastic that goes around your face. (Google image)

Emily doesn’t have a face shield. She says if she can’t find one, she might be able to find a pair of goggles big enough to go over her glasses. She says a droplet of virus into the eyes is the same as into the nose or mouth.

So our brother, who is a scientist with a small research lab, rushed to overnight ship a pair of lab googles to her.

Emily says N95 respirator masks are so rare that they’re only allowed to use them if they are intubating (an invasive procedure that throws aerosols everywhere). Regular masks are being rationed and reused.

She says “Honestly just wish I got infected now, get over it, and can move on.”

That made me cry. I wish there was something we could do.