Over the past few weeks we reached out across our region to people from all walks of life. We asked them to share their thoughts as they navigate through the pandemic.
Here is one of the essays featured on our Reflections on a Pandemic episode of The Point.
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Within the past few days we transported to the hospital one of the 16 residents of Acushnet known to be infected with the COVID-19 virus. We followed all necessary protocols and all treatment and transport standard were met if not exceeded. Two crew members made entry and I remained more than seven feet away, in full PPE, in the event a third Paramedic was needed. We followed the book to the letter. But the book didn’t prepare us for the fear we saw in the patient’s eyes.
I spoke with the patient’s spouse. I said that part of my job is to work towards getting our community to understand that the virus is here and that the crisis is real, not just something talked about at a televised briefing. They agreed. “People are not taking this seriously,” they said. “I don’t understand it.” I took this photo making sure that no identifying items were included. I showed it to the spouse and asked if I had their permission to display it because, it is real. They agreed. “It will help people understand that the virus is here in town,” I told them. They nodded. “It is, it is,” they said.
WE are not the focus of this post, YOU are Achushnet! This is one of our neighbors. Honor them by following the social distance requirements, constantly washing your hand, limiting possible exposure and being smart during this unprecedented time.