THE UNEXPECTED WAVE.

Abstract

In March of 2020, I submitted a version of the following op-ed piece to my local newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ( 1 Mueller KL. Letter: Health care workers need more protective gear. St Louis Post-Dispatch. 2020; (Published March 21Accessed November 20, 2021)https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/mailbag/letter-health-care-workers-need-more-protective-gear/article_d7cb5086-c040-5c58-a7ec-e5b479544d50.html Google Scholar ).The TsunamiI am standing on the shore, watching the massive waves build. So far, the tide has receded and the air has stilled, as if holding its breath. Waiting.I am an ER doctor at a large university hospital, and I am terrified. During my extensive period of training and years as an attending physician, I have learned to save lives, endure sleepless nights, give comfort, and master my fears. I, and my colleagues, have willingly sacrificed many aspects of our lives because we love what we do.But, it is harder to do when I know we are not ready for COVID-19. Our teams are working tirelessly to put plan after plan in place to keep our region safe during the first U.S.-based pandemic in 100 years. We scramble to find, save and reuse the most basic personal protective equipment that was disposable commodities two months ago. We prepare mentally for a moment that has already come to Italy, of having to choose who will be saved by the last ventilator, of having to care for critically ill front-line workers, colleagues, loved ones.Will you help us turn the tide, or will you stand by while we are washed away?