While the rest of America focuses on election drama, life for those inside a Wisconsin COVID ward is 'all-consuming' jsonline.com/story/news/202… via @majohnso
@majohnso An observer might find the scene at University Hospital in Madison almost reassuring. But this is a vision of just how serious the state's COVID-19 surge has grown these last few weeks.
@majohnso The patients are calm because they are terribly sick and must be deeply sedated. The sedation stops their arms from flailing in fear and confusion, and possibly disconnecting their ventilators.
But there's another reason.
But there's another reason.
@majohnso So deprived of oxygen are their bodies that they must be sedated to the point of paralysis. They cannot afford to consume even the modest amounts of oxygen needed to move an arm or a leg. They lie so still their faces show no emotion.
@majohnso Often doctors cannot tell if a patient feels anxious or afraid.
From time to time, the calm breaks. When a COVID patient drifts into crisis, red lights flash at their bedside. A loud bell sounds, the ventilator alarm.
From time to time, the calm breaks. When a COVID patient drifts into crisis, red lights flash at their bedside. A loud bell sounds, the ventilator alarm.
@majohnso In recent weeks, the number of such severely ill patients has grown, forcing the COVID ward to expand.
A week ago, a general care neurosurgery unit became a 12-bed COVID-19 unit.
A week ago, a general care neurosurgery unit became a 12-bed COVID-19 unit.
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