Delaware County EMS chief spreads message of hope after beating COVID-19
UPLAND, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Standing much stronger and healthier, 47-year-old Chief of Crozer Emergency Medical Services Bruce Egan recognizes the irony of the ordeal he just went through after successfully beating COVID-19.
"I think that was an eye-opening experience, not just for my department, but for a lot of other emergency services organizations as well," said Egan. "If the chief can get this virus, then there is no doubt in our minds that any front line workers can get it."
For 15 days, Egan battled COVID-19. He spent another 10 days after recovering. He said he initially knew something was wrong when his symptoms were much worse than the regular flu.
A positive test confirmed Egan had the coronavirus.
Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to perform air shows honoring health care, essential workers during COVID-19 crisis
"Aside from the actual physical issues with fever and weakness, the mental aspect of it was....after seven, 10, 12 days, you know, 'why can't I beat this? What am I doing wrong? Why can't I get rid of this fever?'"
Egan said he felt scared and alone after isolating himself from the rest of his family.
Ten days after testing positive, Egan said he started having trouble breathing and went to the hospital. He said doctors put him on oxygen.
"I wrote small letters to my wife and kids, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it out of here alive and definitely had a feeling of... I wasn't going to be able to beat this," explained Egan.
Egan said his symptoms vanished as quickly as they arrived and he was discharged from the hospital.
As Egan reflected on the experience, he said it was terrifying, but praises the medical professionals who helped him through the ordeal. Now he wants to do more to help members of his community during this uncertain time.
"I want them to know that they're not alone," said Egan. "They can talk to somebody whether that's me as a survivor or other survivors or other healthcare professionals that can help lead them down the same path."
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Governor Tom Wolf unveils color-coded plan to reopening Pennsylvania
'I don't have the virus': Woman accused of spitting on person during social distancing altercation
4.4M more Americans applied for unemployment last week
Hundreds of furloughed Atlantic City casino workers get help from food giveaway
Mitch McConnell says states should consider bankruptcy; Governors fire back
Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to perform air shows honoring health care, essential workers during COVID-19 crisis
MORE RESOURCES
Keeping Reusable Shopping Bags Sanitized and Germ-Free during COVID-19 Outbreak
How to get groceries, supplies, takeout, online workouts and home projects while quarantine
Things for everyone to do to pass the time at home
Great homeschooling and educational resources for parents and students
Free 6abc printable activities for kids to do at home
Work from home: Here are some companies hiring remote workers
CONNECT WITH US
Share your coronavirus story with Action News
Complete coronavirus coverage from Action News
