I know most of us are following the Hurricane Sandy updates. Social media makes it easier to ensure that loved ones are safe and encourage those in the thick of it. As of this post, millions are without power and I hear the number of deaths climbing even as I write.
This morning, I awoke before the sun and immediately reached for my phone. I came across photos of magnificent damage, as well as stories of magnificent bravery. I spent a little time trying to convey the weight of it all to Lucas, the twelve year old who barely remembers Katrina and has only heard stories of Hugo. Lucas expresses interest in working in the medical field one day, and he took particular interest in last night’s story of the NYU hospital’s power (and subsequent back-up generator) failing. You can read more about this amazing story here and here.
Last night, nurses and emergency personnel were able to keep critically ill patients alive, using just their smarts and their hands. While I slept, one nurse manually bagged a ventilated patient for hours, at times in the pouring rain. While I slept, one nurse assisted a team in evacuating tiny babies down nine floors and into waiting ambulances. Those ambulances took the patients and their nurses to a different hospital, where the same team continued to provide care in a setting somewhat foreign to them.
I know the healthcare industry does important work every day, regardless of title or location or job description. But today, I want to honor the ones who put their lives at risk during disasters… like the tornado that whipped through a Missouri hospital last year, or the current damage by Hurricane Sandy. I want to celebrate the staff and volunteers who ignored exhaustion and stress and hunger last night. You kept your patients safe while the world looked on. Well done, team. I don’t know a single one of you, but I sure am proud to call you mine.
6 Comments
You nurses are an awesome bunch. When I heard about the power outage at the hospital last night, I couldn’t fathom what those women and men must have been doing to keep their patients alive and well. We take so much for granted, including those of you who are willing to serve others in the worst of circumstances. Praying every single patient is well and every single healthcare professional is blessed for their work.
Rebecca
wow, this was so beautifully put it moved me to tears. A million thanks to all you health personnel for doing what you do, for caring for and blessing your fellow man immeasurably. All are in my prayers today!
wow, this was so beautifully put it moved me to tears. A million thanks to all you health personnel for doing what you do, for caring for and blessing your fellow man immeasurably. All are in my prayers today!
Absolutely heartbreaking. It’s so horrible to think about all those little details having to happen to keep these people alive, especially those babies! Breaks my heart. SO thankful for amazing nurses that risk it all for their patients. Love your heart sweet friend!
Wow, this is wonderful and so true! Thank you for sharing this and for being there for people when they need it most.
Beautiful post. Health care personnel are so often quiet unrecognized heroes. The selflessness in this story is beautiful.