Zhu Weidi, a physical education teacher at Shanghai Experimental School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, decided to take a different path in January by volunteering as a first aider amidst a spike in COVID-19 cases in Shanghai. Due to the increased demand for medical services in the Jiading district, the city put out a call for volunteers to assist in dispatching ambulances. From December 31 to January 29, Zhu spent three days a week volunteering for the cause.
As a first aider, Zhu’s responsibilities involved handling emergency calls and assessing patients’ specific situations before suggesting self-transportation or arranging transport to the hospital. Despite the growing number of patients seeking medical assistance, Zhu remained committed to her role, and her positivity was a source of inspiration for her patients and other first aiders.
In Shanghai, over 120,000 volunteers were on duty every day as of the end of January, with an additional 300,000 backups. These volunteers’ roles have since evolved to include providing assistance with outpatient guidance, driving, and other support services, such as first aid hotline operation, nucleic acid sampling assistance, temperature measurement, and health code inspection, as confirmed by sources with Shanghai’s civic affairs office.
Jin Qikai, a student at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, is an individual who is committed to making a positive difference in his community. At the end of last year, Jin joined the volunteer team for Shanghai medical institutions as an outpatient medical guide, determined to lend his assistance in any way he could. Despite not being a medical student, Jin saw the growing need for patient support as medical services became overwhelmed with the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was eager to step up to the challenge.
According to Jin, he guided patients to corresponding departments and helped them use the self-service machines, wheelchairs, and other services. He also learned to communicate effectively with patients, many of whom were understandably anxious and stressed. Jin understood that these patients needed more than just medical guidance; they needed someone to offer them comfort and hope in their time of need.
On January 2nd, Jin began his duties in Songjiang district’s central hospital, where he quickly learned that there was much more to being an outpatient medical guide than he had anticipated. However, he was not deterred by the challenges that he faced. Jin was driven by his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the patients he served.
One of Jin’s most memorable experiences came when he encountered a patient with a faint voice and a visible discomfort in his stomach. The patient was looking for someone to accompany him through the diagnosis and treatment process. Jin quickly stepped up to the plate, accompanying the patient throughout the process, offering words of encouragement and support. The patient’s condition improved, and Jin felt an immense sense of fulfillment, knowing that he had made a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Jin’s experience as an outpatient medical guide has taught him the importance of compassion, empathy, and patience. He understands that medical care is not just about the physical aspect of the treatment, but also the emotional and mental support that patients require. Jin is proud to have been a part of the volunteer team for Shanghai medical institutions, and he looks forward to serving his community in the future.
In response to the increasing demand for medical services due to the surge of COVID-19 infections, the Shanghai civic affairs office called for volunteers to assist with medical services, and the response has been nothing short of remarkable. Volunteers like Zhu Weidi, a physical education teacher at Shanghai Experimental School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jin Qikai, a student at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, have stepped forward to help in various capacities.
As part of the volunteer team for Shanghai medical institutions, Jin served as an outpatient medical guide, helping patients to navigate the complex hospital system, guiding them to corresponding departments, and assisting them with the use of self-service machines, wheelchairs, and other services. Though not majoring in medicine, Jin quickly realized that emotional support was also needed for patients, which he found to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his volunteer work.
Wang Junfeng, an official at the volunteer service department of the civic affairs office, has revealed that the volunteers are mainly assigned to three categories after necessary training. The first group is comprised of young medical students, taxi drivers, and other volunteers with professional skills who participate in emergency support, including ambulance driving, dispatching, and stretcher lifting. Volunteers like these have helped to reduce emergency response times in districts like Songjiang by an average of seven minutes, according to Wang.
Another important task for volunteers in hospitals is carrying out medical treatment and assistance work. A survey of 13 medical institutions in Shanghai revealed that five hospitals had social volunteer services, with three to 11 volunteers every day. For those hospitals without social volunteers, the main reason is that the majority of elderly social volunteers are still at risk of infection.
In addition to these essential medical roles, volunteers have been widely organized in all districts to carry out psychological counseling, emotional care, medicine dispensing, and other services to help residents access medical services without leaving their homes. The city has around 120,000 volunteers on duty every day as of the end of January, with more than 300,000 backups, showcasing the incredible community spirit and dedication of the people of Shanghai in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
In conclusion,the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of volunteers in supporting overwhelmed medical services. Shanghai has seen an impressive response from volunteers, with over 120,000 individuals on duty every day as of the end of January, and an additional 300,000 backups. Among these volunteers are individuals like Zhu Weidi and Jin Qikai, who have stepped up to help in various capacities. Volunteers have also been assigned to emergency support, carrying out medical treatment and assistance work, and providing psychological counseling , emotional care, medicine dispensing, and other services to help residents access medical services without leaving their homes. The community spirit and dedication of these volunteers are an inspiration to all, demonstrating the power of compassion, empathy, and patience in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.