An Experience as a Medical Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering enabled us to support people facing difficulties in locating healthcare facilities. Working as a medical support volunteer allowed us to interact closely with patients. We assisted them by providing information on the availability of hospital beds, intensive care unit beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinders. We had numerous beautiful as well as dreadful experiences and learned valuable lessons during the process. We experienced a wide range of emotions, from the joy of informing about the availability of a vacant bed to the guilt and dilemma of having to prioritise in such a crisis. We learnt about how an empathetic approach and active listening helps to connect people.

Keywords

• COVID-19 pandemic; medical students; telehealth; volunteerism.