Parallel Pandemics

During the third wave of COVID-19, frontline clinicians are struggling to manage the accumulation of stress of the prior 15 months and keep burnout at bay. Whereas their initial efforts to protect the community were met with enthusiasm, many of those shows of support have waned. Vaccinations bring an element of hope but also new tensions. Meanwhile, inside hospital ICUs, patients are younger, usually unvaccinated, and sicker than e...

With restrictions on visitations due to the high COVID-19 infection rates, hospitals look for creative ways to connect patients with their family members. Despite the innovation, frontline clinicians have often found themselves struggling with the realities of the pandemic – communicating virtually with families and sitting at the bedside holding the hands of dying patients. Despite his dependency on ECMO, Carlos makes daily progre...

Following Independence Day 2021, COVID infectivity rates surge again, once again increasing the demand for ECMO machines and staffing resources. With optimism on the decline, Carlos continues to demonstrate his desire to live – exhibiting the fight and determination that the Kennestone ICU team has come to know so well. Nonetheless, his condition has deteriorated, and the team recognizes the need to consult the Ethics service. Diff...

When Carlos was admitted to the Kennestone ICU in May 2021, the accumulation of stress and fatigue experienced by healthcare clinicians over the prior 18 months of COVID-19 had led to concerns that compassion was eroding on the frontlines. But seventy-plus days after he was transferred to Kennestone, Carlos’ care team continues to lean into adversity and ensure that he doesn’t face his illness alone. Carlos reciprocates their gifts...