RSMU is highly involved in the preventive works of the coronavirus infection spread.
The University has mobilized all resources to help the region during the pandemic. Having switched to distance learning, medical students take part in preventive measures and are ready to help those who need it most. More than two hundred students of RSMU volunteered to contribute to fighting the spread of infection.
Currently, the volunteers continue daily raids to detect signs of coronavirus infection in citizens who have recently returned from foreign trips. According to the order of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer rights protection and human well-being of the Russian Federation, such people must self-isolate for two weeks immediately after the trip, so as not to endanger others.
The rounds are conducted by senior students and residents who have volunteered to participate in the raids. Among the volunteers are not only Russian, but also Russian-speaking international students. They ask people about their health and compliance with the quarantine regime. Then the information is transmitted to the regional operation headquarters.
For conducting raids, medical volunteers are specially equipped: they are dressed in red vests with the symbols of RSMU, wearing a protective mask and glasses. The volunteers have documents confirming that they are actual medical students. As explained by the head of the University Roman Kalinin, student volunteers are ready to conduct as many apartment rounds as necessary, and re-visit the houses where previously no one was found.
Other important areas of activity of the medical University volunteers are sewing masks and helping older people, who are currently under quarantine. Volunteers are ready to buy food, medicine and basic necessities for everyone who does not leave the house at the moment. According to the rector Roman Kalinin, participation in such work brings up the most important qualities for future doctors – mercy, compassion, and willingness to help selflessly.
The head of the University also stated that the University is ready, if necessary, to strengthen the regional medical staff with students who are qualified for nursing (students can get the permission after completing the third year). In addition, a short-term resuscitation course on artificial lung ventilation in case of severe pneumonia will be organized on the basis of the University vivarium.
