The physician within the intensive care unit in Edmonton warns that the second wave of COVID-19 is popping right into a “tsunami”

Dr. Peter Brindley prepares for a tsunami. The intensive care doctor in the intensive care unit at the University of Alberta Hospital says the term “second wave” does not do justice to developments at the forefront of the healthcare system.

“These are difficult times. And you know what? I still don’t think we’ve reached the climax, ”he said on Friday.

Brindley experiences firsthand the link between increased community transmission and hospital stays.

“I want people to understand that this is not fake news. This is not a conspiracy theory. That is serious.”

In just under two weeks, Alberta’s data showed a 40 percent increase in hospital admissions and a 61 percent increase in patients being admitted to the intensive care unit.

Alberta’s ICU is 77 percent full – as of Friday, 54 of 70 available beds were occupied.

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“The numbers are increasing every day. Every day is a new record. 30 to 50 percent of our intubated patients in the intensive care unit are now COVID-positive. “

1:54
Doctors in Alberta fear that new COVID-19 measures are too little and too late

Doctors in Alberta fear new COVID-19 measures are too little and too late – November 12, 2020

The health system consists not only of space – beds and capacities – it is also supported by human resources – health workers and support staff. After nine months of work through a pandemic, the burden is showing.

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“We are devastated, like everyone. We’re exhausted and wish this damn thing would go away. “

Continue reading:

Hospital Beds Versus Staff: Is COVID-19 Overtaxing the Human Side of Alberta’s Health System?

In an interview with Global Edmonton’s news anchor Gord Steinke, Brindley said he and his staff will continue to fight the virus, but additional public health measures are having a big impact on ICU staffing.

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“There is a profound knock-on effect because when someone is exposed, other people who work around them have to stop working until they are tested. And so already exhausted ranks of clinicians are getting thinner and thinner. “

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Dr. Peter Brindley is an intensive care doctor in the intensive care unit at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alta.

Delivered

Data has shown that every time a health care worker tests positive for COVID-19, about six other workers need to be isolated, according to Dr. Noel Gibney – a professor emeritus at the University of Alberta and a retired doctor at the U of A Hospital.

“Where we are currently on staffing, we definitely do not have the staff to handle an increase beyond our current level,” said Gibney.

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Coronavirus: Doctor in Alberta warns that intensive care unit could be full within 2 weeks

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Brindley said he often stays in the hospital after his shift is up – and he said he wasn’t the only one.

“We sleep in overnight. Indeed, this is the second and third line rotations. And we can go to shorter shifts and, you know, all kinds of things just to keep us going. “

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Brindley said he was very concerned about the hostile attitude he saw from anti-vaccine activists.

“I’m starting to get hate mail and bizarre accusations from anti-Vaxxers that we’re working for big drug companies because we’re promoting a vaccine.”

He says the allegations and misunderstandings are ridiculous.

“When I work for big pharmaceutical companies, I have to work for big mattresses and big oxygen because we have so many people in hospital beds now.”

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2:54
“On a tightrope with no safety net”: The Alberta doctor expresses concerns about COVID-19 capacity

“A tightrope walk without a safety net”: Alberta Doctor Expresses Concerns About COVID-19 Capacity – Nov 13, 2020

Brindley personally says he won’t hesitate to get hold of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

“I can’t wait to get a vaccine. I’ll be at the front of the line and drag my friends and family with me. “

Continue reading:

When the COVID-19 vaccine is ready, will you receive it? We want to hear from you

– With files from Emily Mertz, Global News, and Kirby Bourne, 630 CHED

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