I am a retired anesthesiologist and I would like to appeal to each of you to practice social isolation. Anesthesia workers have the highest rate of contracting the coronavirus of any health care providers. The group that I retired from has two confirmed cases and others being tested. This is while we are at the very beginning of the surge in cases.
There is inadequate testing for the virus, not enough protective equipment for my friends, and limitations in ventilators.The best tool we have to prevent new cases is staying away from other people.
The more infected people, the more we lose our health care providers. When you become very ill you expect emergency treatment.
This virus frequently presents as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. These both require a breathing tube to be placed by us or other trained physicians. This is one of the largest factors in our acquisition of the virus.
Without these physicians or without enough ventilators, the results are obvious. A death by respiratory failure is truly awful.
Protect these heroes, the heroic medical personnel who want to help you and your family. You must do your part and maintain separation from others. Thank you.
Gary Smith MD