64: Don Hirsch

Penn State Health Emergency Medical Services

Donald Hirsch, part of Penn State Health Emergency Medical Services, described the various contributions of his team. Initially “drive through testing” for covid was set up and several hundred people a day were tested. Testing was available for anyone who wanted to be tested.

Donald explains that in addition to paramedic work there was a large educational component of his work. He taught various staff members how to use PPE and keep themselves safe. 

He has known 5 people who have died from covid and has experienced much loss from the illness. He feels “long hauler’s syndrome” is a particularly dangerous part of covid. Zoom gatherings with family members helped him cope with the isolation from family through the pandemic and he has made an extra effort to be in nature to restore himself.