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“Keep us alive so we can save lives”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nurses became key stakeholders in creating and enforcing initiatives on care quality. The true essence of nursing heroism can be reflected in the execution of such tasks, in speaking up and being understood. Appropriate personal, protective equipment, physical security, operational protocols are believed at the center of the fight to save lives in the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect our pandemic heroes.

For Rhey Ecobiza, ER Nurse, He considers himself fortunate to be able to help the public. In some ways, it is like realizing his childhood ambition to become a superhero. He assisting mankind on the front lines. On the other hand, it is extremely concerning, especially because one of his colleagues has tested positive for COVID-19.

“It’s really hard to be a frontliner.” Ecobiza said to his story shared online. He arrives at work before the sun rises. Put on a head cover, foot covers, surgical scrubs, and a yellow plastic gown after that. The N95 mask comes next, if one is available. The most crucial 10 seconds of his day will be spent fitting it to his face. It will both defend him and make his head hurt. Then, over the N95, a surgical mask. Gloves and a face mask and his endless sweating. “My wife was my added motivation to do things right as cases started to pour in. I needed to be careful while protecting myself. That’s the only way I could eventually go home.” He stated.

Being an ER nurse was difficult enough before the pandemic. In the ER, there's never a dull moment. You are unable to eat or use the toilet. However, nurses are now must function in full PPE. “It’s hot to wear and feels like you’re being suffocated. It gets even harder to perform CPR on patients. In those moments, it feels like losing all the oxygen in your brain because of the heat. But we have no choice but to do it.” He said. Nurses like Ecobiza had to put on all the protective gear and spend hours on the wards without eating or drinking, all while dealing with the lives and deaths of their patients, as well as the possibility of being infected. “Keep us alive so we can save lives.” Nurses have always been the anchor that holds everything together. They act as a bridge between the patient and the doctor. They do not want your sympathy, our front liners cries for our cooperation. All they want is for you to stay at home, stay healthy, and stay alive.

It increasingly putting in place important steps to keep people at home and thereby reduce the spread of COVID-19. The value of staying at home is becoming increasingly apparent, as shown by appeals from doctors, nurses, and other health professionals around the country. Ecobiza message to everyone is to, “Enjoy the little moments more. Follow the rules and take better care of yourself. We have a saying, “stay at home while we do our work.” We need to be all in this together, we need teamwork.” Health-care services can help address the needs of those who may have COVID-19 by avoiding interaction with others and implementing best practices. This isn't just a concern for the elderly or those who are most vulnerable. COVID-19 affects all, including family members, friends, and loved ones. “That is why, as we approach the crucial stages of our national response to COVID-19, we are encouraging the public to #StayHome,” the letter says in photos shared on every social media platform of health care teams. They advocate that people must do their part. And every day they’ll come to work for us.

Ecobiza also concluded that he finds inspiration in the small moments, such as the thank you’s they get from patients' families. “It’s in those moments that I feel like I'd rather give all my energy and be tired to the point of exhaustion, just as long as we get to rescue people... and, of course, it's not us that are being rescued.” Nurses and their co-worker’s have the determination of how much care they could give to others in times of pandemics, while still taking care of themselves. As nurses are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection, so it is important that they are given the tools they need to protect themselves, such as ventilators, masks, robes, eye protection, face shields, and gloves and other protective equipment in great amounts for staff caring for COVID-19 patients who are suspected or confirmed. It also allows him to feel the love of our Filipino brothers and sisters. Businesses send PPEs to them, food chains feed them. There was also a time when children gave him motivational notes, which he found really touching.

“I also hope, at the end of the day, the government and other institutions show their appreciation for us frontliners beyond lip service.” He indicated on the last part. Government must ensure that healthcare workers have a constant and adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs), especially at this time when COVID-19 infections are on the rise. Nurses answer to the call of duty while battling their own fear and anxiety. We assure them that their efforts are valued and rewarded at the end of a very long day, since they have also their own families to care for. Nurses work on the front lines of treatment, making them more vulnerable to infection. We believe that a flexible, adjustable policy and protocols play a vital role in reducing or to stop spreading the COVID-19.