Protection, Digital Painting, 2020 I am a respiratory therapist. Most people aren’t aware of our existence, much less what we do. We have many responsiblities in the medical field. To start, we are the ones that help you when you are short of breath in the ER. When you are being intubated, it is our job to manage the ventilator that is keeping you alive. If your heart stops, we are part of the team trying to revive you .
We are on the front lines, along with the nurses and physicians. Just like them, exposure to viruses and diseases is a daily challenge to us, not just during this pandemic. These are worrisome times; to both hear and see how many of our fellow health care workers have become ill, or even perished, because of the lack of protection.
The N95 is a vital part of our protection. Sadly, all of us are having to reuse protective equipent that is only meant to be used once, because there is not enough supply. It is unnerving going into work knowing you could possibly be exposed to COVID-19.
This piece is a reflection of the joy we all feel when we are provided the necessary tools to do our job effectively. In addition, the expression of inner peace that comes with a community coming together to support us all, in this trying time.