A salute to, and word of comfort for, all our healthcare workers.
From an ex-EMT and Navy Medic.

Most of you will recognize the following for the Covid-19 metaphor it is.

Invasion Scenario One
The enemy establishes a beachhead, but it’s a small one and defenses are formidable. Still, it’s a base of operations, and from this, the enemy can send invasion forces elsewhere. In time, the beachhead is overwhelmed and the enemy defeated with minimal damage.

Invasion Scenario Two
The enemy establishes a larger beachhead and is able to move inland and cause damage. Defenses ramp up and counter attack. The longer the engagement the more collateral damage occurs. Eventually, the enemy is driven off, and the defenders begin damage repair.

Invasion Scenario Three
The enemy establishes a beachhead, but defenses are few. The invasion proceeds, creating a significant foothold and causing much damage. Defenses finally arrive, but are too few. Reinforcements from outside are needed. But will help arrive in time? And will it be enough to defeat the invader?

At the present time, our healthcare workers are in a very real war. They’re the reinforcements that are needed in the most severe ‘invasions’. And like all soldiers, because of where they are and what they do, they can be wounded. Perhaps not physical wounds to the body (although they can be ‘invaded’ just as anyone can), but certainly what people would call Moral Injuries – wounds to one’s soul.

These wounds might come in the form of self recrimination.
“Could I have done something that could have saved this person?”
“Am I really qualified to do this? Was this the right choice?”
“I should have been more alert to the situation.”
“I should have done this instead!”
“I should have been better!”

It might come as outbursts of anger due to uncontrollable circumstances like lack of supplies – anger that often, and unfortunately, gets directed at the wrong people.

It could be seeing Death in a way you never thought possible, even in this line of work.

It could even be a despairing thought like: “Why am I here? Why me?”

All of these are real Moral Injuries that can bleed a person’s spirit dry. They can even kill – think suicide.

As a former EMT and Navy Medic, I can say one thing to other healthcare workers. These wounds can heal, but as with real wounds that are severe, you can’t do it alone. Don’t keep these things hidden. Find someone you trust and let them know. Or it could be someone you don't even know, like the hospital chaplain. I'm not religious by nature, but I talked with one during my hostpital stay last August, and found it quite comforting.

To those out there who know healthcare workers, like their family and friends, you’re needed now to help with this sort of ‘wound care’. Allow the emotions to vent, and know it’s not always at you. Be generous with compliments and thanks. A kind word is the best bandage for this sort of wound. You will also be needed after this is over because Moral Injuries often take a long time to heal.

Finally, to any healthcare workers who read this:
If you feel bad about fighting Death and losing, you are not a 'loser'. If you have any regrets about things you’ve done (or not done) during this crisis – possible mistakes made – an emotional outburst at an undeserving target – that doesn’t mean you’re a failure or a bad person. To be truly evil, a person is not allowed to feel regret. They're not allowed to be affected by the pain they leave behind. If you have the ability to feel regret, you can not be ‘bad’. Period.

As for what you can do for yourself? If you’re feeling the weight of the present situation pressing down, or it seems impossible to escape the oncoming despair, go find a mirror.

You’ll see the face of a truly good and heroic person looking back.

(Comes to attention and salutes.) Thank you for your service.