I need to debrief and I am only too aware that I am so so so much luckier than some of my colleagues and many of my patients
I work in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Australia. I was unable to get in on Saturday because of the fire (road closure and evacuation orders), worked an extra shift yesterday and back again today
I was fully booked days ago
100% of my patients are fire affected
80% cried
50% had no home or didn’t know if they had a home to go home to
20-30% were fit ins as they were having trouble breathing, had chest pain, were people I will always fit in (pregnant, kids, cancer diagnosis, palliative care or just on my “must fit in list”)
10-20% Rural Fire Service, Fire NSW or State Emergency Service seeking help for acute injuries sustained yesterday
I’m keeping my kids close tonight as they sleep and looking for my knitting and a glass of wine….
I feel so privileged being safe and home
Dr Bek Hoffman
January 6, 2020 #AustralianBushfires
First published on the private Facebook page, GPs Down Under
Photo: Sir Ivan Fire Feb 2017