Doctor Tells Us What To Do In Case Of No Hospital Bed Available, Challenges Of 2nd COVID Wave

Disclaimer: The aim of the video, article, post is not to dispense medical advice. If you or anyone around you are exhibiting any symptoms do consult a medical health professional.

The COVID case load has crossed a grim milestone with over 3 lakh cases and the country has seen a record number of deaths in 24 hours. So we try to figure out if we could be doing more as individuals to curb transmission of the virus or at most ease the panic a bit.

We spoke to Dr. Haryax Pathak, 24, from Pramukhswami Medical College in Gujarat's Karamsad, who shared his views on challenges that the second COVID-19 wave has brought and immediate measure in case a hospital bed is not available.

Immense case load

Pointing at the gross number of daily cases, Dr, Haryax Pathak said, "No conclusive answer on what is driving the second wave. It is thought to be a combination of complacency in following preventive measures like masking, distancing and an effect of the variants."

He added, "Variants have increased rates of transmission so they may also be playing a role in the rise in cases."

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Infrastructure

Dr, Pathak further said, "The immense case load takes a toll on the health infrastructure we have. COVID care, and it is imperative that people understand this - COVID care is coming at the cost of other regular patients. Hospitals have had to cancel elective surgeries, regular follow-ups of patients with Diabetes or Hypertension. Cancer treatments are also taking a backseat to an extent. Because everyone is held up with COVID."

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He said, "All wards and ICUs have been converted to COVID wards. Resident doctors, nurses and hospital staff are fatigued as well. As it is, India's doctor, patient ratio is less.

"So, this second wave, characterised as tsunami by many, is having a severe, long-term effect on our health infrastructure," he said.

In case of no hospital beds

Dr. Pathak said that panic should be ruled out if looking for an empty hospital bed at a time like this. He explained immediate measures to be taken in three points mentioned below:

• Keep looking for hospital beds. Many cities/states have a website where bed availability is updated real-time. Contact as many people as you can, if need be.
• Take to social media. Many people are helping out on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram. A request can be put online. Those with any contacts or resources will readily help.
• If nothing works, patient must be kept in isolation at home. Keep monitoring for their SpO2 and vitals. Prone breathing exercise is a must to maintain SpO2.

BCCL

He added, "There are many telemedicine portals available with whom you can consult. They will also come for home visits to check up on the patient. I would recommend reaching out to a doctor on COVID duty as well. They can advise better about managing the patient at home."