With COVID-19 restrictions lifted and cases rising, N.L.'s first responders brace for impact
CBC
First responders in Newfoundland and Labrador say they aren't seeing significant personnel shortages due to COVID-19 but they feel apprehensive as hospitalizations rise.
Rodney Gaudet, president of the Paramedic Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, told CBC News he views the end of restrictions as a positive sign, but said after two years of responding to emergencies during a pandemic, many paramedics are feeling anxious.
"For us, you know, it's exciting to see that step towards sort of that normalcy again. But there is still that concern that, you know, is it too soon or … is it going to cause an influx in patients for us?"
Gaudet said the pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for some paramedics, who are at higher risk for PTSD that most other occupations.
"That mental strain on practitioners of the ongoing pandemic and the ongoing concerns … that always takes a toll on people," Gaudet said.
Gaudet said the possibility of an outbreak is a worry, because it could easily sideline multiple members of a crew at once — leaving their co-workers to pick up the slack. He said the province's decision to reduce PCR testing for the general public is also a cause for concern.
"We have to take their word on it that they actually are doing the [rapid] tests and that they're doing it appropriately."
Hundreds of health-care workers are off due to COVID-19, and 40 people were in hospital due to the virus as of Wednesday. Health officials have previously said the province's health-care system can handle 40 to 60 people without strain, and earlier this week Health Minister John Haggie said the system would be "managed."
"The way it's managed will be an operational decision with the regional health authorities," he said.
On Thursday, Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland and Labrador president Yvette Coffey said hospitals and other institutions are short-staffed due to COVID-19.
"We do not have the personnel, we do not have the manpower to handle this surge in COVID-19 illnesses," she said.
Gaudet said he isn't aware of any major staffing issues among paramedics but they are seeing the strain on the health-care system indirectly through offload delays.
"If there's less staff in the emergency department or less staff in the hospital, then that can trickle down to affect us as well."
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