On health’s frontline
Covid-19 started ramping up in New Zealand, only going back to work about three weeks ago.
It wasn’t long before he was called to a job where the patient had coronavirus symptoms.
The person was in a bad way – requiring IV fluids and oxygen support – but ‘‘thankfully’’ weren’t in a critical condition.
Chapman said there was an added layer of anxiety from the patient and their wha¯ nau, particularly as they couldn’t take a family member with them.
‘‘It took a bit of time, providing that extra reassurance to the family . . . but because
[they] weren’t critical, we had that time.’’
Infectious diseases were not uncommon on the frontline – such as last year’s measles outbreak – but Covid-19 was new and unknown.
Dealing with potential Covid19 patients was not dissimilar to those with flu-like symptoms, Chapman said.
However, the main difference was the level of fear the outbreak was driving, he said.
‘‘The challenge for us is the uncertainty and anxiety of loved ones and family.’’
People were ‘‘hesitant’’ to go to hospital for fear of infection – ‘‘a lot goes into reassuring them that it is safe’’.
Practical things have changed: they now wear PPE for every patient, not just those with Covid-19 symptoms.
Protective screens have also been erected in ambulances, separating the driver from those in the back.
But for Chapman, it’s ‘‘business as usual’’.
As a shift-worker and medical professional he is used to dealing with ‘‘highly stressful’’ situations on a daily basis, and is well-practiced at disconnecting.
He goes home after each 12-hour shift to his partner, who is pregnant with their first child, and he has become the dedicated food-shopper: ‘‘not my idea of fun’’.
Chapman says he isn’t alone in feeling like being out on the roads, helping people, is ‘‘a relief’’ – knowing they are ‘‘able to do something’’.
‘‘We all have such a passion for this job.’’