
As the sun dawns across my city so does the infrared,
An inch away from the windswept part of my anxious forehead.
Thirty-five eight, I can pass, to join my respiratory team,
Where half have flown to fight against the enemy in our bloodstream.
***
First thing I do upon the wards one pump of sanitiser,
Saharan hands rubbing away the ultimate equaliser.
A fresh new mask around sore ears and pinched across the nose,
Then face shield on to blur the day and everything it throws.
***
Intensive care buzzes alive as we stare into the chamber,
Chest rise and fall with the rhythm of the diligent ventilator.
Few days ago he waved to us between his shallow breaths,
Now we hope he’ll see the sun again and not our list of deaths.
***
But the world still turns, so off I go, to the depths of emergency,
A submassive pulmonary embolus is eagerly waiting for me.
The hot zone smoulders as soldiers in blue battle to rescue the wounded,
I wonder, do they fear their fates, if they become included?
***
No contacts, afebrile, no coughs to fear, the risk of the virus is low,
Yet as I examine I remember the chance is not an absolute zero.
The CT says, “pulmonary haemorrhage,” that cannot rule out the foe,
Those swabs took three days from my paranoid mind and were unbearably slow.
***
Another day, another turn around the axis of life,
I venture home, peel off my veil and memories of the strife.
One day the books will tell the world when it turned upside down,
How we knelt then fought with valiant hearts against this tyrant crown.
***
This was inspired by my experiences with the respiratory team at a tertiary hospital in Victoria. I am grateful to the time I spent with the amazing healthcare workers and witnessed them adapting to constantly changing circumstances and regulations. I remember the second wave came right in the middle of my rotation and although I am no longer a part of the team, I wonder sometimes how they are doing and what happened to the people we looked after.
with amaze style you express the panic situation..
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Thank you for your amazing service to people!
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It all sounds so surreal, doesn’t it?
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The detail here is astounding. The opportunity is great for those inside and those outside the work to understand what is happening. I’m appreciate your giving us details outside and inside the self as well. “Saharan hands,” sadly, sounds apt. You move from one intensity to another; and there are protections, but “the chance is not an absolute zero.”
Your work is vital, as it serves living. I’m thankful for the service of you and your peers “against this tyrant crown.” And for your perspective, especially.
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Thank you very much ❤ I have a few more weeks at the hospital before I officially finish my studies, and I am glad to say things are looking much more hopeful these days. Let's just hope it all keeps improving.
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A very emotive peace! Thank you for sharing this story
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Thank you 🙂
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You certainly describe what is going on at this time of life. Thanks for your service and all the other medical professionals who are caring like you! I do hope those you cared for made it through, too. Keep taking good care. Sincerely, Connie Webb
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Thank you Connie!
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Amazing! I hope you’re doing well and hope you get to help many more people!! Keep up the fight and may God bless you more!
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This is written so damn good on such a heartbreaking situation. Well done and stay safe from
the crown!
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Thank you very much!
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We can never thank you enough, Helen– for your wonderful service.
Art
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