«There is always a fear of infection, but it is a rational fear»
Anton Nevolin, a paramedic at the polyclinic no.1 of Nizhnekamsk, visits patients with fever every day with a nurse and takes swabs for testing for a coronavirus infection.
One team makes up to 20 trips per day. Teams also work on weekends. Heroes in white coats, they are always on the front lines. Their work is a daily risk.
Paramedic Anton Olegovich told us about the nuances of his work.
- Who do you take swabs for?
- We make a decision on the spot to take a smear depending on the clinical picture and the patient's complaints. We work according to the regulatory documentation that clearly regulates who, how and why you need to take smears.
- How do the patients feel?
- In General, patients are relatively calm. It happens that some of them are suspicious. They are afraid of absolutely everything: fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose. They immediately think they have a coronavirus. Although this is absolutely not true. I don't think people should be blamed for this. Because they are far from medicine.
- Do You have a fear of infection?
- There is always a fear of infection, but it is a rational fear. It does not allow you to relax, makes you put on personal protective equipment and undergo more thorough disinfection. We need it. If you are not afraid, you can make a mistake.
- What do you recommend to patients?
- The only thing that can be advised is to maintain a rational view of the situation, not to give in to panic. I advise you to follow all the instructions. First of all, this is public and household hygiene. Washing your hands, wearing a mask, treating your hands with antiseptic, wearing gloves in public places. And don't forget about maintaining social distance.