If N.Texas runs out of ICU hospital beds, doctors can consider a patient's vaccination status

[JoanofArgh]

North Texas doctors have quietly developed a plan that seeks to prepare for the possibility that due to the COVID-19 surge the region will run out of intensive-care beds.

If that happens, for the first time, doctors officially will be allowed to take vaccination status of sick patients into account along with other triage factors to see who gets a bed.

A copy of an internal memo written by Dr. Robert Fine, co-chair of the North Texas Mass Critical Care Guideline Task Force, was sent to members of the task force -- and leaked to The Watchdog. It summarizes the latest work by the task force, a volunteer group that periodically updates medical guidelines for hospitals in our region. There are about 50 members from various hospitals in the group. Although their recommendations are not enforceable, the guidelines are generally followed.

One important note: A non-vaccinated person will not necessarily be denied care when competing with a vaccinated patient for an ICU bed, doctors say. Other medical factors come into play, such as underlying conditions and the likelihood that a patient will get better and leave the hospital.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/watchdog/2021/08/19/if-north-texas-runs-out-of-icu-hospital-beds-doctors-can-consider-a-patients-vaccination-status/

[Ocelot II]

1. So, basically, triage.

[GPV]

3. Gmta

[Hugh_Lebowski]

5. Exactly what I was going to write. Triage 101 (nt)

[sheshe2]

2. Good.

It's about time.

[mucifer]

4. There is gonna be a lot of whining and victimhood claimed. Plus they have so many guns.

Why can't they just get the damn vaccine??

[Xipe Totec]

10. With all those guns, they could 2nd amendment themselves and save us the effort and resources. nt

[OAITW r.2.0]

6. As it should be.

A year ago, there was no vaccine. Now, there really is no excuse.

If these antivaxxers/anti-maskers truly distrust the science, they ought not trust the hospitals. My advise is to buy Jim Baker's prayer blankets and pour yourself a bleach cocktail.... just to pawn the libs.

[dalton99a]

7. The memo

The online meeting involving several dozen doctors representing many area hospitals took place Monday. Afterward, in his email, co-chair Fine summarized decisions made by the task force. He boiled it down to three bullet points. Here they are:

1. “COVID-19 vaccination decreases severe infection and death. Vaccine status therefore may be considered when making triage decisions as part of the physician’s assessment of each individual’s likelihood of survival.”

2. “When vaccination status is considered, accommodations may be needed when the reason for non-vaccination is beyond the patient’s control such as but not limited to caretaker refusal to have a disabled dependent vaccinated, recent COVID-19 infection, or medical contraindication.”

3. “Many are understandably angry and frustrated with the unvaccinated, but triage must remain grounded upon likelihood of survival. Health care professionals should continue to honor duties of care and compassion.”

[UpInArms]

8. The likelihood of survival

Well, non vaccinated people have a much greater chance of death …

And the bed should go to those who will truly benefit from medical help …

Unvaccinated should just go to their church and pray to their invisible sky friend

[roamer65]

9. At least it's a start.

[Grokenstein]

11. They don't understand the difference between a vaccine and a "cure."

They just "know" every problem can be solved with guns.

[keithbvadu2]

12. Save me

Save me (from the daily toons)