Dr. Reinier Segura

It only took an hour for Reinier Segura Peña to say yes. He could not go to an isolation center for suspects of having COVID-19 without first leaving his own people in good hands. It was not for nothing, at home he had his mother convalescing from a fall that affected the first lumbar vertebra, his wife with 30 weeks of pregnancy, and an elderly father who is still active in a work of great commitment.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- That call came under difficult circumstances, but he managed to join the ranks of the first groups to assist patients in Los Cocos and later in Los Caciques. His pride jumps from his words when he tells what he has lived; and what for others would represent a true sacrifice, he assumes it with the naturalness that emanates from his love for the profession. And it is precisely this unconditional surrender that motivated him to fulfill this noble mission in his own land.

“It is the most sensitive and risky task I have ever faced. We had to take extreme care; we put on our suits, and once we had taken care of the patient we would discard the clothes in a neutral point for their disinfection in the laundry. Every three hours we changed the mask."

Reinier took with him not only the professional experience but also the solidarity and affection that came from those days when he assures, he won a family. He even says it with the longing of those who challenged the Covid-19 with him, even though they did not see his face.

“We did not have any SARS-CoV-2 positive patients during the time I spent in those centers; even so, when faced with the possibility, we always complied with the guidelines for their safety and ours. There was no lack of support from the maintenance staff, cleaners, and waiters."

“It was an effective strategy the fact of dividing us into groups, each team consisted of three doctors and four nurses. We received early calls and examined all admissions three times a day. We had a cabin for rest, away from the perimeter of care."

He says that there, the work does not leave room for rest, but everyone's health is worth the effort. For those who were grateful, there was no need for faces; it was enough for them to know that behind those protective suits humble hearts were beating ready to save their lives.

It was a tremendous satisfaction to see them leave recovered and without the illness. They could not identify us, but they said goodbye with a smile and a "thank you, doctor." It was their way of rewarding us, in addition to the sincere applause they gave us every night.

Dr. José CarlosPUTTING DUTY BEFORE FEAR

Different emotions surfaced in that place and each of its protagonists kept experiences and pleasant memories. Dr. José Carlos Martínez Nieto did not hesitate either and left home determined to do his duty.

“I was summoned by the head of my basic workgroup and when the time came I went to Los Caciques center. There we worked for 24 hours in a red zone, using the necessary means.

“At the beginning, we had to create conditions for better performance, and start dealing with a new disease that we only knew it came from China and other countries. After spending 14 days in the 'hot zone', you leave with more knowledge.

Absolute dedication comes from his genes, as her mother is part of the army of white coats. “She already has vast experience and even collaborated with other nations; I try to follow that example”, he says without being able to hide his admiration.

Martínez Nieto does not deny that he was afraid, and that also makes him great. Not even the feeling of self-protection, so typical of human beings, made him rethink his decision. “Covid-19 is highly contagious and you may have the fear of getting sick, but I never hesitated to serve. I chose this profession to protect lives and I am happy about it”. For three years I have been a member of the ranks of the brave ones, and he has proved it.

AFTER THE ISOLATION

Once the mission was completed, both doctors spent a period of 14 days in isolation, as did the rest of the brigade. They now remain in the shelter of their home, as required by the protocol.

While Reinier waits anxiously for the arrival of his first-born son, José Carlos takes the opportunity to enjoy the family; both with that sense of peace that comes from doing the good for others. And they would do it again without hesitation; they sealed that commitment before, just at the moment they chose to become doctors.