Ninilnath Vishwanathan
In the COVID-19 world, the term’ frontline worker’ has become part of everyday language, with paramedics being at the fore of the global fight against the virus.
They might be highly skilled professionals trained to assist others, often in emergencies, but that doesn’t make paramedics immune to the impacts of living and working through a pandemic.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are called regularly to deal with COVID positive or COVID suspected patients, resulting in first responders being continuously at risk.
According to Ali Darwish, Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, the dedication of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Ambulance Service during the day to day activity from the beginning of the pandemic going through the peak and now down to the present situation was remarkable,
“Every member of the ambulance service will have some knowledge and education about communicable disease. They will have to deal with patients with an infectious disease at some point in their professions, but dealing with COVID-19 is a different experience,” Darwish told The Peninsula.
“The strength of Ambulance Service in handling COVID-19 situation was the level of experience and professionalism. The dedication during the day to day activity starting from the beginning of the pandemic going through the peak, now to the present situation,” he added.
Although the paramedics have experience dealing with an infectious disease like SARS or bird flu, handling a pandemic situation was different.
As early as the end of January, with COVID-19 cases in China and only a small number of other countries, Qatar put in place screening at Hamad International Airport (HIA) for every passenger arriving in Doha.
“The Ambulance Service played a big role in screening and transferring passengers to quarantine facilities or a hospital if needed. It was our first mission against the pandemic,” said Darwish.
But when the first COVID-19 case was reported from the community in March, the ambulance service started to put an operation plan. They worked in coordination with COVID-19 System-Wide Incident Command Committee (SWICC).
“During the pandemic’s peak, we received around 1400 calls within 24-hours, which are considered a 30% increase in our daily activity. Around 240 ambulances were deployed in response to the calls,” said Darwish.
He said that the Ambulance Service’s dedication from the beginning of the pandemic going through the peak and now down to the present situation remained at the same high level.
“Some of our staff lost their loved ones in their home country. But they continue to keep the same spirit and dedication at work,” said Darwish.
Ninilnath Vishwanathan, a paramedic with the HMC Ambulance Services sharing his experience working during COVID-19, said he was fortunate to serve people when everyone was worried and uncertain. Recalling his first experience with a COVID-19 suspected person, Ninilnath noted, “The person had fever and cough, one of the key symptoms of COVID-19. We were transferring her from the airport, and she was in fear and crying. We tried our best to console her.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, it was challenging and anxious because everything related to COVID-19 was new. Personally, Ninilnath found it challenging to be separated from his one-year-old daughter, though it was for her safety.
“A rapidly evolving protocol was in place. We were well informed about COVID-19 developments and safety measures by the HMC. They facilitated with everything needed. We have never felt unsafe at any point in time,” Ninilnath said.
Hatem Bineyed
His colleague Hatem Bineyed said that paramedics had dealt with epidemics with SARS and other infectious diseases. But coping with COVID-19 brought challenges and emotional stress. His wife, too, being a nurse, meant they had to take extra care at home to keep the family safe.
“Working on the frontline at the Ambulance Service during COVID-19 was a remarkable experience. But I never feared for our safety as we were provided with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and had a random health check,” said Hatem, who has 18 years of experience with the HMC Ambulance Service.
His first COVID-19 patient had a travel history to China and presented with flu symptoms.
“Since then, we transported several people to quarantine facilities and hospitals. I find myself privileged to contribute to the country at a time like this,” said Hatem.
After everything they have seen and experienced, Ninilnath and Hatem request the people to keep safe.
“Though the country has passed the peak of COVID-19 and reduced number of cases, the virus is still prevailing. Therefore it’s important for everyone to follow the COVID-19 precautions and prevent the spread of the virus,” they said.
