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Since World War II, there has not been a more impactful global event affecting the world than COVID. When it first hit, we watched it like a vague dystopic science fiction from afar and then, in no time, became actors in it. With borders closed and economies hit hard, we became prisoners in our own homes. We were at war, a war that was being fought in hospitals by soldiers in a different uniform. It was a tough decision to knowingly put myself and my family at risk, but I knew I would never forgive myself if I did not follow my calling and went and documented it. So, I spent 29 days at the ICU of Gazi University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. This collection consists of photos documenting life inside the ICU, photos documenting life and death in the times of COVID-19.
That testing had to be done through protective glass at the Gazi University Hospital in Ankara Turkey It was a grueling job for the healthcare professional taking the samples with temperatures soaring inside the little glass enclosure Being stuck with heavy PPE gear inside a hot glass enclosure was a helpless feeling which in a way was symbolic of what people felt all around the world with lockdowns
COVID-19 testing is uncomfortable from many perspectives Besides the physical sting testing positive for a lot of people meant not being able to be with their partners parents siblings kids grandkids and other loved ones The stakes were especially high for the elderly The fear of the unknown and the accompanying anxiety was hard to miss
The conditions under which healthcare providers cared for patients in the ICU during COVID-19 were extremely challenging and strenuous Personal protective equipment played a huge role in protecting healthcare professionals but also came with unique challenges One of those challenges was that the protective glasses used by the medical personnel would fog up in no time and blur their vision ICU professionals prevented this from happening by taping their noses well before putting on glasses This made breathing difficult but it was not a matter of choice
With every new patient that was admitted there was a flurry of activity because it was a race against time Immediate care needed to be provided decisions needed to me made and future courses of treatment needed to be planned The determination with which healthcare professionals handled COVID-19 patients was extraordinary
Older people have been especially vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19 because of a weakened immune system and pre-existing conditions
Older people have been especially vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19 because of a weakened immune system and pre-existing conditions While two doctors examining the old patient
Exhaustion among healthcare workers during the pandemic was a scene that unfolded in hospitals all around the world Continuing to provide care for overwhelming admissions in grueling conditions meant pushing the limits of human physicality These heroes pushed those limits every day
No one really knew what would happen when you were hospitalized for Covid 19
Most patients that were admitted at the ICU of Gazi University Hospital in Ankara Turkey exited the ICU in two ways either dead or healed For most patients it was the healthcare professionals standing between life and death
Most patients that were admitted to the ICU of Gazi University Hospital in Ankara Turkey exited the ICU in two days either dead or healed For those that COVID-19 defeated the Imam washed the deceased patient wrapped them in a shroud as per Islamic customs and placed them inside the coffin for their journey to their final resting place
