Peking University People’s Hospital fights the anti-epidemic “war without smoke”
May 11, 2020
Peking University, May 11, 2020: As fighters in anti-epidemic battle, we march toward risk and danger. I am Zhao Liting, head nurse of the Critical Care Trauma Center of Peking University People’s Hospital, and member of the 3rd batch of medical team for Hubei of Peking University People’s Hospital. On the flight from Beijing to Wuhan, I could not help but recalling the moment when I fought against SARS with my comrades in 2003. Seventeen years have elapsed, but my original aspiration does not shift. The epidemic in Hubei requires me to take on the responsibility for disease prevention and control, and every minute of delay may cost a life. The concern about people’s well-being summons our courage to leave for Hubei, as required by our mission and duty.
Zhao Liting
As fighters in anti-epidemic battle, we bear the same name: medical team for Hubei of Peking University People’s Hospital. Working in isolation wards of intensive care, we dress in white all over. That is the reason why people call us “angels in white”. Combating the epidemic, we are more like warriors in white. I was touched by what my husband said before my departure for Hubei: "Although you are not in the army, you are soldiers against the epidemic. Now our country and people need you to fight at the front. Please take care of yourself, and then treat more people as you can... "
As fighters in anti-epidemic battle, we cooperate with each other to work efficiently. The Trauma Center was established in 2017, the same year when Peking University People’s Hospital was named as one of the hospitals responsible for crisis responses in Beijing. We naturally assume the social responsibility for public health emergency responses. This time, 18 nurses from our center formed a nursing team to support Hubei. Everything goes on in a tense but orderly way, including the arrival and accommodation of medical staff, training in precautions, allocation of materials, work division, the inspection of wards, feedback on problems, and psychological counseling. Since the members of our team have been working together in the same department, we had already established a rapport with each other. We got familiar with our work at the fastest speed, cooperating with each other smoothly and helping mutually. As the team leader and an old hand who have fought against SARS, I must keep calm and professional to cheer up my young teammates. The novel coronavirus is doomed to be defeated as SARS was. Since I am almost double the age of my young teammates, I care about their well-being as much as my children’s. I ought to take them back home as healthy as when I brought them here. I check their precautionary measures each day, believing that the more examination I conduct, the safer they will be. Besides, our patients often move us. It is our duty to provide them with professional, timely treatment and care. Their needs account for the value of our nursing work. I believe that with the joint efforts of medical staff and patients, we will soon be able to defeat the virus.
As fighters in anti-epidemic battle, my comrades and I charge toward danger. We take on the challenge with professionalism and solid basic skills, with the concern and blessings from our families. We firmly believe that we will triumph over the epidemic, and that my comrades and I will go home safe and sound. Hang in there, Wuhan.
Written by: Fan Xueyuan
Edited by: Ma Yaoli
