This 2010 photo provided by tcu360.com, the yearbook of Texas Christian University, shows Nina Pham, 26, who became the first person to contract the disease within the United States. Records show that Pham and other health care workers wore protective gear, including gowns, gloves, masks and face shields and sometimes full-body suits when caring for Thomas Eric Duncan. (AP Photo/Courtesy of tcu360.com)
Citywide debacle
Presbyterian has been my hospital since I moved here in 1971. I actually have an appointment there on Oct. 23, but I am debating whether to go or not.
Already no ambulances can arrive there. Has anyone thought about the fact that after the newly infected nurse removed her protective coverings, who did she come in contact with?
Did she wander down to the cafeteria or go visit other nurse friends?
And if I hear the word “protocol” one more time I am going to scream! That, to me, is a word used to describe how you behave if you are having dinner with the Queen of England.
Right now the only bright star in this citywide debacle is that the nurse’s dog is being cared for and hasn’t been put to sleep.
Mary Weir, White Rock/East Dallas
An obvious solution
As a nurse who has worked with patients in isolation before, I can see one big problem in controlling the spread in your community. People who are already infected and are showing symptoms are walking into an unprepared emergency room.
It is obvious to me that the infected person should remain at home, call the EMTs, and explain that he or she has been exposed to Ebola and is now having symptoms.
Then, the EMTs can arrive in protective gear and can then notify the hospital emergency department to be prepared.
This would cut down on the time the infected person might be in the ER waiting room exposing people by touching surfaces, handling pens while signing documents, permission slips and using the bathroom.
Janet Vigil, Albuquerque, N.M.
Take care of home first
Re: “‘Our people are dying’ — U.S. aid arrives; pleas heard at World Bank meeting; toll could hit $32.6 billion,” Friday news story.
We are concerned about containing Ebola in a hospital on high alert in Dallas, so why in the world are we sending our troops to Liberia?
I don’t believe this is noble, just stupid. I would not want anyone in my family going there. Shame on our politicians!
Sharon Protzmann, Dallas