The world of Tzu Chi September-October 2021 (Vol.137)

2021 • 10 30 ovid-19 Relief The waiting area was packed with patients, and despite more beds being added to the general ward, it soon became fully occupied and some patients had to be treated on a wheelchair. “Fortunately, within two to three days, Tzu Chi sent us ventilators, oximeters and other equipment, enabling us to save more lives,” said Dr. Tan, adding that “If a patient needed to be intubated, the ventilator could bring them back from the brink of death in a matter of seconds. However, as every hospital needed the equipment during the pandemic, it was difficult to acquire them…” He continued, “Donating medical equipment to the right place and at the right time is a way of repaying the community too. Big thanks to Tzu Chi and the community for their help.” Hot meals, warm hearts When Sungai Buloh Hospital was designated as a Covid-19 hospital, existing patients from the hospital were transferred to Selayang Hospital. As the pandemic progressed, the number of Covid-19 patients in Selayang Hospital grew from 300 to over 1,000 people, aggravating the situation of medical equipment and manpower shortage. Dr.WilliamYap from the InfectiousDisease Unit is the Selayang Hospital’s liaison to Tzu Chi. He expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi for the provision of badly-needed protective gowns, masks and face shields for the frontliners. He said, “The pandemic has been ongoing for more than a year and the frontliners are struggling to hold on. Willpower alone is not enough in this fight against Covid-19. Fortunately, Tzu Chi sent us material supplies and warm meals. Normally, medical personnel do not have a fixed time for meals. We were contented to have the packed vegetarian meals for our lunch break. It was a form of moral support to us.” In the face of such a serious pandemic, the medical frontliners are among those who are hit hardest but they bravely soldier on. Through this difficult period, Tzu Chi has led and united the community to offer the best possible support to the frontliners. Let us continue to support them as they fight on tirelessly, committed to a noble mission to save lives. Unwavering commitment to safeguard lives By Tham Jia Wei (ICU doctor, Malacca General Hospital) Translated by Chung Chin Sei I t was 1 a.m. I was finally able to get some rest in the call room after a busy day. However, the phone rang half an hour later. “Doctor! The blood oxygen level of Bed 5 patient dropped suddenly and the heart stopped beating!” “I will come over now. Perform CPR and get the medications ready!” Such episodes happen almost daily in my life as an ICU doctor. We have to stay in the hospital for 24 hours and deal with various emergencies when it is our turn to be on duty. Unlike patients in the general ward, most patients admitted to the ICU require intubation, ventilation, vasopressors and other support. Their conditions are often critical and