Image Credit: The Canadian Press

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Straight talk about what happens to really sick COVID-19 patients

Apr 1, 2020 | 4:58 AM

KAMLOOPS — AN ARMCHAIR MAYOR FOLLOWER writes that we need to take a more candid approach to the messaging around COVID-19 to straighten out the skeptics.

As we approach a critical time in the war against the virus, her point is worth considering.

She says: “For instance, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BREATHE, or RESPIRATORY SHUTDOWN is like drowning and it hurts like hell.”

Well, that would certainly get people’s attention in public service announcements. A little like the warnings on cigarette packages that “Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.”

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This sent me looking for more information on how the most severe COVID-19 cases are treated for the virus in hospital. Not being a medical expert myself, I suggest you do your own research.

Suffice it to say, I don’t like the thought of being sedated, given paralyzing drugs, having a tube put down my throat and being unable to speak, eat or think for days and even weeks while a machine does my breathing for me.

Neither am I cheered by the stats on survival rates of those who must be ventilated.

The main piece of equipment in this battle is the ventilator, which is, basically, a mechanical breathing device. There’s a huge shortage and a massive push to manufacture and get them into hospitals.

Even Dyson, the vacuum cleaner company, has switched over to making them. In fact, the company is said to have invented a new ventilator specifically for COVID-19 patients.

Ventilators are used with patients who develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Fluid fills the lower part of the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get oxygen into the blood.

A ventilator, if one is available, might save your life; or not. I know I don’t want to find out.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.