Medical teams around the world are accustomed to the toughest working conditions, but have seldom been challenged to the extent that they are today.
Often invisible, they must overcome not only long working hours but also the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that arise in this complex working environment. We want to honor them by giving them a stage and listening to what they have to say.
"For me it really is the best job in the world."
"In our job, no two days are alike, and that's what truly drives me.”
Paramedics are faced with long workdays, shift work, challenging rescues, and heart-wrenching experiences on a daily basis. Yet, many of them believe that it's the best job in the world.
For 40 years, we have been developing and manufacturing ventilators for intensive care medicine worldwide in Graubünden, Switzerland. Since our founding on May 18, 1983, we have been committed to helping medical teams deliver the best respiratory care—to any patient, anywhere.
Healthcare in India varies greatly depending on the region. While hospitals in larger cities have well-equipped intensive care units and qualified staff, care in rural areas remains insufficient.
Always on hand when people are in need, the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) provides emergency medical care and transport for patients in mainland Portugal
"In my job, sorrow and joy are always very close together.”
One year ago, at the end of November 2021, Lydia and Bernhard Widmann decided to leave their life in Switzerland behind and move to Malawi. They have now been in Southeastern Africa since April 2022, providing medical care at Nkhoma Hospital and training local professionals.
Since 1978, Mercy Ships, a global humanitarian aid organization, has been providing remote areas with health services and much needed medical surgeries. Aboard this floating hospital in Africa, a crew of volunteers provides critical surgical procedures.
"We are dealing with human lives and we are challenged on many levels: Professional, technical, but above all human.”
A non-profit organization has come up with a unique and much-needed solution to assist rural areas. It set up 10-bed ICU units in all Indian government hospitals to offer inclusive, equitable, and quality healthcare to all, especially the poor.
"My job is my calling. You get to share in people’s happiest and hopeful moments, but also in their hopeless and sorrowful moments.”
Bernhard and Lydia are on the verge of a life-changing move: In April 2022 they are relocating to Malawi to help provide medical care and train local healthcare staff - together with their three children between the ages of one and three.
"I would like to see people grapple with what it means to end up in an intensive care unit."