Haven't you ever been the least bit curious what living through a pandemic would be like? I don't wish harm on anyone, but there's just something in me that is just a bit curious. Maybe its just my medical background, fascination with the unknown, or simply my desire to see 'what I'm made of.' Whatever it is though, its nice to know - as a doctor - who to treat.
What do I mean? Well, in this weeks CHEST, an official list of 'recommendations' has been published that outlines proposed guidelines, designed to be a blueprint for hospitals "so that everybody will be thinking in the same way" when a pandemic hits, ie who not to treat. They include:
-People older than 85.
-Those with severe trauma, which could include critical injuries from car crashes and shootings.
-Severely burned patients older than 60.
-Those with severe mental impairment, which could include advanced Alzheimer's disease.
-Those with a severe chronic disease, such as advanced heart failure, lung disease or poorly controlled diabetes.
The idea (whether bad or good) is intended to better utilize resources at a time when those resources are certain to be scare.
If you listen closely, it almost sounds a bit socialist. Interesting.
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