War on Gaza: the impossible duty to care for the critically ill

Excerpt

“It is beyond our capacity, Duha” she told me. “The numbers of casualties are mounting. Most cases arrive with polytrauma and burns. Many cases we had to leave to die. Patients labeled in the red zone were left. We could not handle the number of casualties needing intubation and referral to the intensive care unit (ICU). We could not refer any patient to the ICU. Due to the lack of medical supplies, we are using expired products. No beds in the ICU. Even patients after surgery, they rested on stretchers not beds. Patients are in the corridors, on each tile”

“Infections are mounting. In my shift all I see is children and women, less men. Before I texted you, I had just finished two operations that were life saving for two kids, four and five years old. I cannot explain to you, it’s the first time we see such injuries, not even in books! Civilians attacked by missiles that were made for military purposes”