My first day in the COVID-19 ward!

It was a Friday morning. My waiting period was over. I was waiting for the current ward to be converted to COVID-19 ward.

The house surgeon informed me that finally they managed to shift out the non-COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients got admitted to this ward.

I was afraid to enter this COVID-19 ward. My spacialty isn’t about treating COVID-19 victims. But, due to overwhelming escalation of cases dictated that we should help.

I was dependent on the internal medicine specialist for guidance. I had no experience with PPE. I got a call from the specialist that this person is going for patient rounds.

I was invited to join the rounds. I hesitantly agreed. I was least prepared for what was awaiting for me. I was handed a PPE. The specialist kindly guided me through “donning.”

We entered the area where actual COVID-19 patients were treated. It was very scary situation. This was the first time I was experiencing a very close contact with positive cases.

I was profusely sweating inside my PPE. I persevered through around one hour through the rounds. I developed sick feelings. I was feeling exhausted and giddy.

I mentioned to my colleague that I need a break. That doctor had warned me about her first experience with PPE. She told me to relax in a chair.

I was sweating more profusely. I didn’t even know that wherever I was moving and halting I was leaving a puddle of sweat on the floor. This was happening in another ward. We were yet to go to my ward.

After an hour that doctor said we will go to my ward. To my luck, there were only 3 patients. She quickly finished with them.

We approached the “Doffing” room. I quickly followed the instructions of my colleague. I freed myself from the PPE I was wearing. I was was out of PPE however the heat exhaustion continued.

I was having strange feelings. I wasn’t feeling well. I triggered my migrane. I was tired, exhausted, with intense headache. I felt like I am going to collapse any moment.

After sometime I had liberty to go home. I reached home. After steam inhalation and bath I took a big nap. Then around 12 midnight I experienced relief from my headache.

I admired all my doctor and nurse colleagues for the efforts they take to provide care to COVID-19 patients. I salute each one of them. Today I know how they feel.