Since January 2020, when the first COVID-19 patient stepped into a European Intensive Care Unit (ICU), starting an unprecedented influx of hospitalisations, critical healthcare workers have been on the frontline.
After a year and a half of relentless fighting against the disease, it is showing tenacity while a fourth wave of contamination has started and is expected to make European ICUs very busy again in the fall. That is why preparedness is key to protect our patients. We can’t afford to go back to the terrible situation experienced during the first three waves.
We now know what we are facing and we need to use the lessons learned to avoid repeating mistakes from the past. It is not acceptable anymore to reschedule surgeries and to prioritize hospital and ICU admissions. We cannot accept an ICU bed being confused with a piece of furniture, disregarding the professionalism, experience, humanity, humility and self-sacrifice that each healthcare professional brings.