A trooper pulled over a doctor for speeding – then gave her his extra protective masks
These days, doctors are under a lot of stress. Not only do they have to deal with overcrowding in hospitals, super sick patients, and terrified families but they also have to do it all with minimal equipment. Sometimes, they can’t get the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe.
One thing they can’t get enough of is N95 masks. They’re supposed to use a new mask every time they suit up. But that’s not always an option. There’s an enormous number of doctors who need these masks but with short supply, there aren’t enough to go around.
Doctors in Minnesota are stressed
Doctors in Minnesota, just like those working around the rest of the world, are stressed. They know they have to help their patients. But at the same time, they want to make sure they’re protected. That way, they don’t have to stop working, get sick, or put their families at risk.
That’s just how Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua was feeling
Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua works as a cardiologist on a COVID-19 quarantine unit in Duluth. She was already feeling stressed but then things got even more stressful for her. On March 21, Trooper Brian Schwartz pulled her over for speeding.
She was expecting a ticket
Instead of getting in trouble, she experienced an act of kindness that brightened her day. The trooper had pulled her over because she was driving over the allowed speed limit. But once he realized she was a doctor, he knew he had to do something to help her out. After all, he didn’t want to make her life even more difficult.
So, he did the unthinkable
Cops are supposed to use N95 masks to protect themselves while on the job. So, this policeman had some in his patrol car. But Schwartz thought it was more important for the doctor to them. Yes, he puts his life at risk but she puts hers at risk even more. That’s when he decided to give five of his masks to her.
Dr. Janjua was touched
She said, “I burst into tears. And though it may just have been the cold wind, I think he teared up a little as well, before wishing me well and walking away. This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking.”
Schwartz knew he could help
When Schwartz pulled Dr. Janjua over, he noticed she had what looked like two used N95 masks in her purse. Like many others, he’d heard through numerous news sources about doctors having limited personal protective equipment in hospitals. This was a perfect opportunity to help.
Dr. Janjua is scared of not having the proper equipment
Fighting a pandemic on the front lines is scary enough as it is. But without the necessary protective equipment, medical workers are frightened of their work environments, as they should be. Dr. Janjua admits she’s scared of not having what she needs to provide proper care to her sick patients.
Kindness like this offers people hope
During times like these, we all need as much hope as we can get. The kindness of strangers and stories like this one help make people feel a little bit safer.
Remember…we’re all in this together.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.