Thread by @RogueDadMD

The CDC telling us to go to work when COVID+ and symptomatic, the AHA saying to start CPR without PPE — they are saying out loud what used to be the norm, & what society managed to temporarily hold in at the pandemic’s outset:

Healthcare workers well-being doesn’t matter.

I would love to see all biggest hospital systems, medical societies, and even patient right’s groups speaking out against these positions.

Hell, get the airlines onboard reminding everyone they should put their own oxygen mask on before they help the person next to them.

Our healthcare system, like so many important things (like public schools), is largely built on the goodwill and sacrifice of those doing the work. It often runs with haphazard societal and governmental support.

Stop demanding healthcare workers sacrifice even more because others refuse to take responsibility for their own actions.

I say this working nights over Christmas, having skipped a holiday gathering with friends so I could be in the ER, ready to help any kid who needs it.

I used to occasionally intubate and start compressions without PPE.

I routinely did that before COVID because I put my patients well-being before my own, and because I foolishly disregarded the risk to myself.

It is not an acceptable status quo to disregard our own safety.

Individuals, organizations, and governments who want the best patient care should not put forth statements telling us to actively put ourselves and others in harms way.

You will get the best care by reducing healthcare worker burnout/suicide and treating us like we matter.