As COVID-19 cases surpassed 1 million in the U.S. by late April, healthcare workers like Dr. Walid Ghurabi, emergency services director at UCLA Medical Center, became the unsung heroes of the pandemic. In a raw, emotional account, he reveals the challenges faced by frontline teams—from equipment shortages to battling fear—and shares why 'love for the job' keeps them going.
Behind the Masks: Battling Fear and Fatigue
Dr. Ghurabi describes hospitals as 'war zones,' where staff juggle overcrowded wards, limited PPE, and the emotional toll of losing patients. 'Every day feels like a marathon,' he admits, highlighting the mental strain on workers who worry about infecting their families.
\"Stay Home for Us\": A Plea to the Public
His message is simple but urgent: 'We stay on the front line for you—you stay home for us.' By flattening the curve through social distancing, he says, the public can directly support overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Despite the risks, Dr. Ghurabi remains hopeful: 'This is when humanity shines. We’re all in this together.'
Reference(s):
Story of Fighting COVID-19: We stay in the front line for you
cgtn.com