Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRedChief
I don't get why smart people don't understand this simple measure. Right now, Italy is having no choice to let people die because a lack of ventilators. This is a modern democracy. Doctors deciding who lives and who dies.
We are in better shape but not immune to a catastrophic outcome. To start with we have a lot more ventilators per capita. We have 12K in reserve. If 40%-70% of us get this and 2%-3% of that number need hospitalization and 1% of us need a ventilator....... do the math..... we don't have enough beds and not enough ventilators to keep people alive until the crisis passes.
People need to flatten the curve right now. Social distancing. Stay at home if at all possible.
|
I think some people are overestimating what ventilators can do. So far it sounds like the majority of people who get put on ventilators don't end up surviving, even with a ventilator. Basically, if you're so sick you need one, your odds are already pretty low. Obviously they do still save some lives, and we want to have them available to save as many people as possible. But it seems to me that ensuring all other treatment options and supplies are available would be a wiser way to prioritize resources.