William F. Tate, the Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor in Arts & Sciences
Many restaurants operate on a first come, first served basis. Shoppers in the United States expect this; however, this orderly approach to gaining access to service lost standing in Italy.
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the Italian countryside, the demand for respirators and ICUs exceeds the supply. In this case if demand exceeds supply, it increases the risk of death, especially for the elderly. Evidence from the outbreak indicates older adults experienced higher death rates from the virus. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Italy’s population is the second oldest in the world behind Japan.
Combined with a strong family culture where young persons engage with their grandparents and older relatives, it creates a condition ripe for the spread of the virus. The Washington Post reports that in the midst of the shortfall of intensive care capacity, the Italian Critical Care Society endorsed using age guidelines regarding access to oxygen-generating machines.
Specifically, the group supported doctors that assign priority ICU access to individuals with greater life expectancy. Enter triage and young adults first—exit first come, first served. The experiences in Italy and in other countries represent important lessons learned for residents of this country and the St. Louis region.
Read the full piece in Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
Comments and respectful dialogue are encouraged, but content will be moderated. Please, no personal attacks, obscenity or profanity, selling of commercial products, or endorsements of political candidates or positions. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate comments. We also cannot address individual medical concerns or provide medical advice in this forum.