April 11, 2020
In the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are praying for front line health professionals. Do we have a clear picture of the number and kinds of health professionals who merit our prayers and support?
Many of our leaders call this pandemic “a war.” I agree. How many individuals will be defending your life if you must be hospitalized?
Let’s compare with the U.S. military for a perspective on the number of our health defenders; people who are putting themselves at deadly risk.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a typical U.S. Marine platoon is 27 Marines.
Twenty-seven individuals.
A typical U.S. Army platoon is 36 soldiers.
In the healthcare system, practitioners say at least 33 teams are caring for emergency patients: beginning with the EMTs who take you to the hospital and (hopefully) concluding with the team at the skilled nursing facility/transitional care unit and the team at home care services. (Please be sure to read this link including comments.)
Multiple professionals serve you on most of these teams.
The healthcare people who serve you are no less at risk than a Marine or Army platoon.
Add to their number their families, roommates, and essential social contacts like grocers, and it is easy to appreciate the need to avoid needlessly introducing yourself into the healthcare system.
Two of my cousins and a niece are health professionals. Perhaps more if some have slipped my mind. May God guide them and protect them and their families.
My prayer is for those who serve, and for those of us who are able take precautions and avoid putting at greater risk them, their loved ones, and associates.
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