As hospitals prepare for the expected surge of COVID-19 cases, it has become extremely important to find ways to support frontline healthcare workers. To ensure clinicians and staff at Massachusetts General Hospital have enough support, members of the Mass General Research Institute have volunteered to be redeployed.

The following is a first-person account of what it’s like to be redeployed at Mass General during the COVID-19 outbreak, submitted by Christopher Aldrighetti, a clinical research coordinator in Radiation Oncology.

From Cox 3 to the ED

By Chris Aldrighetti

COVID-19 came in like high tide, creeping in slowly until you notice your chair is sinking in wet sand, and the shoreline—previously in the distance—is now reachable by just stretching out your big toe. An offhand mention became a minute-by-minute update. “Some person” in Washington State became “Someone I know.”

In a blink, restaurants closed and toilet paper sold out. My desk was packed, and my Mass General ID badge put in a dresser drawer alongside other items I do not use daily. My bedroom became my office, and my uniform became my pajamas.

Right as I was settling into my new reality, however, the tide got closer. With many research projects coming to a halt in the past weeks, clinical research staffers have been asked to volunteer for the emergency labor pool (ELP).

For those who are unfamiliar, Mass General created an ELP to enable employees to be redeployed during emergencies, helping to fill increasing demands and openings when they arise.

When I got the email, I volunteered. Within 24 hours I was asked by Human Resources which of the available shifts in the Emergency Department (ED) I would be taking.

I was not expecting to be given a shift assignment so quickly. I would be lying if I said it did not trigger some unsettling nerves: “What would I be doing?” and “Would I be working with COVID-19 patients?”

The seriousness of the coronavirus was becoming clearer, and I was being sent to what has now been coined “the front lines.” My previous COVID-19 role of staying at home and self-quarantining for the well-being of society was no longer the expectation, and it did, in all transparency, require a mental reset.

The facts are, however, that there is a clear and imminent need for healthy individuals to step-up in this time of crisis. Working in the ED is not in my job description, but the virus has shifted normal life as we know it and with it the roles we all have at Mass General.

I feel fortunate to be healthy enough to do it and lucky to have the opportunity to gain this experience. I want to support my fellow MGHers in whatever manner that may be.

I have now completed two shifts within the Emergency Department as a patient escort through the ED transport team. Despite my original apprehensions, my questions were answered and they prepared me adequately.

I have been stationed near the new EMS entrance of the ED. I assist the nurses by taking all non-acute patients that arrive by EMS to a determined location. For the most part, my experience has only involved taking patients to Urgent Care. The ED is set up in a color-coded track system that provides the quickest and simplest pathways to the Acute, ICU, Urgent, Pediatric and other key sections of the ED.

With each patient transfer, I wear the standard PPE of a surgical mask, gloves, eye protection, and gown. Very similar to what some of the EMS members are wearing when they bring in patients. When I can, I keep my “social distance” from any incoming EMS or patients that enter unless transportation is needed.

Regardless of the risks, I feel safe as I can be and as prepared as I need to be. The tide certainly came in and displaced me, but so far, my experience has been positive. It has made me feel a part of something and has pushed me forward in this time of unknown.

It has been very interesting to learn and adapt to a new role. I encourage anyone—if the opportunity presents and your circumstances allow—to volunteer in any way possible.

This experience has only further solidified my appreciation and admiration for all the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, scribes, patient registrars, security personnel and facility workers responsible for sanitizing, for doing their part to stop the spread and treat the infected.

All MGHers working together at this time of crisis for the greater good.

COVID-19 Research at Mass General
Researchers and clinicians at Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute are mobilizing to develop new strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID-19. Learn more.