The Wonder Women Of Covid-19

Healthcare workers on the frontline of a pandemic share their experiences, why they love what they do, and the self-care practices that get them through.

- Shannon Manuel

Lindsey Cyster

FIRST WOMAN OF AEROMEDICS

I’VE WORKED AS A FLIGHT PARAMEDIC for six years, and have spent five of those years working as a rescue external load operator (hoist operator) on a rotor wing platform. I’m adventurous, so I love working in the aeromedical environment as it allows me to explore nature from a bird’s-eye view, while doing what I love.

My mom sparked my interest in the medical profession. She worked in nursing. My family and I were involved in an accident. My gran, who was also in the vehicle, suffered a spinal cord injury. I felt helpless after our ordeal, and I couldn’t shake it off. I chose my career not only to help people and make a difference but also for my well-being. It’s my passion.

Having to adapt to the ‘new normal’ during Covid-19 has been challenging. I need to be more cautious when I’m working with my patients, or I could expose myself, my colleagues and my loved ones to the virus. It’s frustrating, but also frightening because of the uncertainty.

I’m a naturally social person, so the pandemic forced me to change the way I interact with people, not just for my safety but for other peoples’ too. It’s been mentally challenging and emotionally draining. I needed to change the way I approach my patients. For nine years, I’d been showing them empathy and gaining their trust, which was particularly crucial if they needed to feel they weren’t alone when we moved them from one location to another, sometimes as far as 100km. But with Covid-19, I couldn’t interact with my patients in the same way.