The third wave is ravaging our communities. We are heartbroken & exhausted.
As our ICU & dedicated COVID-19 units continue to fill, Dr. Shelly Dev, critical care physician at Sunnybrook, shares an unfiltered, raw account of what it's like on the front-lines. (1/11)
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"There is nothing predictable about COVID-19 in this third wave. You think you can draw on the expertise you’ve gained over the years, but there is no pattern with this disease.” (2/11)
“You see a patient who seems relatively stable, then within an hour, they’re on a ventilator. Their deterioration can be so fast, it’s scary.” (3/11)
"The rise of the variants means this is a separate illness from last year.
This third wave is different.
More people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s are getting sick. These are people who were healthy." (4/11)
"Some are people who couldn’t stay home because they are essential workers. Then they bring the virus home, and their whole family gets sick." (5/11)
"These lockdowns are incredibly tough. It’s reasonable to feel angry & frustrated right now. I hate what it’s doing to my children, my parents, my in-laws. I hate that small businesses are suffering. But what I hate more is watching people get sick & die from this virus." (6/11)
“It’s devastating to look after people when you know they won’t survive.” (7/11)
"The biggest challenge in hospitals is the health of our health-care workers. You can have all the equipment in the world, but none of that matters if you don’t have the specialized staff – nurses, respiratory therapists, custodial staff – in good enough health to work." (8/11)
“They are our most valuable resource. Health-care workers have been pushed to their limits during this pandemic, & they are exhausted.
I’m so worried about my colleagues and friends who are doing their best, every day, even as it takes a toll on their own mental health.” (9/11)
"Right now, as communities of people, we have an opportunity to help each other and to show solidarity.
Keep wearing a mask, maintain your distance, stay home when possible and get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible." (10/11)
“Thank you to everyone who is doing their part. We are so grateful.” (11/11)
Photos in this thread were taken on one of Sunnybrook’s dedicated COVID-19 units over the past two weeks.
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