Health care workers, first responders open up about being on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19

BOSTON — Doctors, nurses and first responders are risking their own health and safety as well as that of their families to care for sick people and save lives.

Workers on the front lines say while it hasn’t been easy, they know they committed to helping out their community and understand the importance of their skills at a time like this.

But, we wanted to know, from those putting their lives on the line to save others: why do they do what they do?

“There is no great honor than to respond for someone on their worst day and hopefully make it a little better," said Abington Fire Captain Jack Glynn.

“Nursing to me is the best career possible,” said Elizabeth Sparks, a registered nurse.

During these scary and trying times, their commitment has definitely been challenged.

“We see sickness and death every day, this is different,” said Katie Sullivan, a registered nurse. “We need to help everyone, please stay home.”

“The fear is paralyzing when you’re trying to take care of your dying patient,” said Samantha Sapienti, a registered nurse.

Yet, despite all the challenges this new, deadly virus has posed, health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the crisis have never faltered.

The fear will always be there, but courage means being brave in the face of it. There is also definitely a lot of sacrifice involved.

“My family pleaded with me not to go to work, but I told them that this is what we do and that the world needs us more than ever, duty calls,” said Richard Oliver, a registered nurse.

From researchers to technicians to first responders in the field to the staff working directly with patients, no one is backing down in the face of what is possibly the biggest challenge in their careers so far.

“I feel that now our patients need us more than ever, they are scared and alone,” said Kimberly Mello, a registered nurse.

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