FIGHTING THE CURRENTS AND WE RISK DROWNING

If we were to speak about COVID-19 as a wild river with deadly currents, and the infected patient is one that is drowning—without proper skill and especially without proper gear, we wouldn’t ever recommend anyone jump in to try and save that drowning person. Because at that point, we face having maybe 1 or 2, or maybe more of those rescuers becoming victims of drowning to the wild currents themselves.

However, with proper equipment, skill, and personnel, that initial patient drowning may be saved without endangering the lives of the rescuers. And further more, if those who must cross into the river currents are recommended flotation devices, vehicles, proper equipment, and protective clothing, shouldn’t we also adhere to the same standards when applying safety measures to the wild currents of COVID-19, a deadly virus that can cause pneumonia, another form drowning?

By this his logic with the state of our systematic handling of COVID-19—to protect our patients, rescuers, and people in our communities, we must heighten the standards in which we require all people to adhere by when crossing paths with this deadly virus. Standards of masks, safe isolation structures, medical equipment, space to home the sick, food and fluids to nourish, and vehicles to transport.

COVID-19 can be loud or a silent killer. It does not discriminate. Young, old, healthy, sick, preconditions, or none. We are all at risk and it will be a marathon for us collectively to make it across the roaring COVID river.

In order for us to be successful during a crisis, we need the Captain at the helm to be compassionate instead of one who refuses to listen then slashes away at their fellow people who are voicing concerns, fears, and realities. We as the people need transparency and we need humility. To steer this ship to safety, what we need right now is steady supply and leadership.