Spectator
I am a critical care physician, specialising in the use of such
machines. I’m flattered by all the attention our tools are receiving.
But I fear the current clamour reminds me of nothing so much as the
panic buyers of toilet-paper stampeding over each other in early March.
When the history of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Western world is
written, I do not believe 'massive ramp-up of ventilator manufacturing,'
will be credited with our deliverance. Let me explain why.
Ventilators do not cure any disease. They can fill your lungs with air
when you find yourself unable to do so yourself. They are associated
with lung diseases in the public’s consciousness, but this is not in
fact their most common or most appropriate application. ......Clinical trials of new and old medications are ongoing. But right now, I am sorry to say there is no proven treatment
for Covid-19 infection. It is therefore at least conceivable that
putting patients on ventilators for Covid-19 pneumonia could be a bridge
to nowhere.
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