Helping everyone: The ambulance service in Vitebsk is working at its usual pace
Let's observe the work of the medical teams. More precisely, one of them — No. 100. Their vehicle is a well-equipped mobile intensive care unit, with everything necessary — from cardiac equipment and a defibrillator to an expert-class artificial lung ventilation apparatus. But first, an introductory briefing and temperature measurement with the issuance of a fresh mask in the office of chief physician Viktor Gomonov.
— Even during the visit of WHO specialists to the station, I took a thermometer, and masks had to be issued as well — they didn't have their own, — notes Viktor Grigoryevich. — The guests were thoroughly acquainted with our work, and no remarks were made. There are no problems with workwear, we regularly replenish our supplies. Five special teams have been assigned to respond to calls from patients with signs of ARVI and to transport those hospitalized with suspected pneumonia. There is a biological protection box-capsule — for the safe transportation of patients with confirmed coronavirus.
The dispatchers say that in recent weeks, the number of requests from patients with chronic diseases has noticeably decreased. The chief physician comments: apparently, people understand the situation and have become more diligent in following doctors' prescriptions.
— That's why the total number of calls has not increased for us — about 400 trips per day, — Viktor Gomonov explains the situation. — But the redistribution of flows is noticeable: there are more cold symptoms. However, we have also taken on part of the workload of polyclinics, which often have to serve patients at home.
The pace is intense, but not critical
From the speaker, a booming voice announces: "Brigade 100, respond!" Driver Igor Samtsov opens the door – together with doctor Larisa Khrapovitskaya, paramedic Maxim Bozhkov, and orderly Alexander Titov, we take our seats. The call is to Pravdy Street, a 60-year-old woman has lost consciousness. In a matter of minutes, we are at the doorstep. Lidiya Pavlovna has regained consciousness, her frightened daughter fusses nearby. The patient admitted: she has diabetes, she injected insulin, but forgot to eat. Glucose administration is required. A couple of minutes – and her condition is stabilized. The pensioner refuses to go to the hospital – relatives will look after her.
We barely get back to base – the next call. A 55-year-old man fell from a stepladder – he was repairing the ceiling. We examined him and took him to the trauma center with a suspected rib fracture. Then there was a patient with a heart condition experiencing an ischemic attack and a grandfather with a stroke... Experienced doctors managed to get everywhere on time. This confirms the main point: COVID-19 does not hinder promptness.
By the way, according to the dispatchers, if calls to the "103" line were not filtered by urgency, there would definitely be no available crews. For example, a man called and demanded that protective masks be brought to his home: he was afraid to leave his home for the pharmacy himself. Another person had a temperature of 37.5°C – a common seasonal respiratory infection, but he issued an ultimatum three times: either take COVID-19 swabs from me, or I will complain. And sometimes patients are dishonest, deliberately attributing non-existent contacts with infected people to themselves. They often cause panic due to a simple sneeze or runny nose. What can you do, increased anxiety is a sign of recent weeks...