Emma | Student nurse volunteering as first-aider - "I don’t want to regret not contributing more when protestors have already sacrificed so much."
“In nursing, we embrace moral principles that guide our professional medical practice. We value equality, honesty, and integrity. Most of all, we learn to do no harm. ”
I am a university student and I study nursing. Like many out there, I am in Hong Kong fighting for our long-cherished freedom and justice. At this point, there is no doubt that I am exhausted, having gone through heartache and profound anger almost daily in the past three months. Conflicts - arose from differences in political opinion - take place almost at every level of society. At work, I have observed that patients of the older generation and colleagues who are in managerial roles tend to share the political sentiments of the ‘blue ribbons’ (i.e. pro-government, pro-police, and anti-protestor).
I recalled a conversation my colleague and I had with a patient of the older generation. It was a home access visit for her dressing appointment. When we arrived at her flat, she was listening to the radio. The radio show was discussing Hong Kong’s current political affairs. The woman said to us, "These young people are brainwashed by the pan-democrat lawyers like Audrey Eu. They go to the frontline and protest in such a violent and aggressive manner!” She believed that these young people didn’t really know what they were doing, and that they were exploited by the pan-democrats.
My colleague and I tried to defend the protestors and persuade her that this is not the case. “Young adults and teenagers are rebellious and impulsive - they don’t listen to anyone telling them what to do anyway,” we said. “Why would they even be subjected to brainwashing from the pan-democrats?” She then replied, “My friends and I are bystanders - The onlookers see most of the game.” It became quite a heated conversation. In the end, the woman insisted that the young protestors were brainwashed, including my colleague and me. She believes that the protestors are stirring up trouble and creating chaos in Hong Kong. She already made up her mind. There was no way of persuading her otherwise.
Some of my lecturers from school also share this ‘anti-protestor’ sentiment, believing that the protestors are messing Hong Kong up. “Remember your priorities,” they would say. “Your priority is your education.” A few of my classmates who are “Hong Kong pigs” (people indifferent to politics) would probably agree. Their only concern is their academics. Whenever we talk about politics, they try their best to steer the conversation away from it. Sometimes, I feel that I can’t really connect with these people on a personal level.
Personally, I am politically very active. I believe that today’s movement has ripened from the Umbrella Revolution five years ago. We’ve learned so much from it. Our vision is clear. As a soon-to-be nurse, I can’t help but feel utterly disgusted by the brutality and inhumanity demonstrated by our so-called “police” at this point - or perhaps they should be called terrorists.
To be honest, I can’t tell the difference anymore. To me, these brutal and cold-hearted ‘mobs’ (dirty cops) are under-qualified for their jobs. They have to be kicked out. They don’t deserve Hongkongers. I’m also horrified by the indifference shown by the government and the Hospital Authority. I can’t even visualise the terrorist act on 21 July* without tearing up or feeling despair. I will not give in until all five demands are met. Five demands, not one less!
In nursing, we embrace moral principles that guide our professional medical practice. We value equality, honesty, and integrity. Most of all, we learn to do no harm. Regardless of one's background, history, gender or age, we need to maintain our professionalism. It’s about prioritising, not about bias. We cannot evaluate whether a person is worth treating based on their identity, background, and what they have done. Even if a dirty cop comes into the hospital for medical attention, we cannot let our personal opinions affect our service.
Before the Anti-ELAB movement, I have only seen situations where the shortage of staff had compromised the amount of medical attention given to the patients. I haven’t come across a situation where medical attention is not given to the needed when first-aiders (FA) are present - this is what happened in Prince Edward MTR Station**. I cannot comprehend what the police were thinking. When they saw people who clearly needed first-aid, how could they still stand between the FA and the patient and deny their rights to seek medical attention? What kind of mentality is this!? It breaks my heart and it makes my blood boiled in anger.
I don’t want to regret not contributing more to the movement in the future when the frontline protestors have already sacrificed so much. That’s why I sometimes join the protests as an FA (first-aider). I was an FA at the mass assembly at Victoria Park on 18 August– that day was a peaceful protest. I remembered it was pouring, and it was crowded. The weather was stuffy and muggy. Some people were feeling unwell and needed medical attention - the overcrowded park certainly didn’t help either. Everyone was expecting the police to close down the street next to the park to give more space for people waiting outside the park to join the protest.
Since we were all volunteers, all our equipment and gear were self-prepared. I heard that even for frontline FAs with all the respirators and gears, it was still very uncomfortable to breathe in the middle of a 'tear gas buffet'. Very often, some FAs get sick from the tear gas. I feel helpless, as I have come to realise that there is a lack of resources, and that the FAs are unable to help everyone in need.
I tried volunteering again for the mass gathering on 27 September, but was rejected by the organiser due to my lack of frontline experiences as an FA. It was by no means offensive to me - I respect the decision. The organiser was only trying to protect me. Indeed, the protest has become more dangerous, even for the FAs. On the last rally in Tuen Mun***, many FAs were arrested. I don’t want to become a burden for other frontliners, because I may not know how to react if something does happen. We need everyone to keep this movement going. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind. We can’t afford to have anyone arrested, because, with every arrest, there will be one less person to attend the ongoing protests.
I want to express my gratitude to all my fellow protestors fighting this uphill battle. I take pride in being a part of it. Obviously, the road ahead is extremely difficult, but for the future of our homeland and the brave souls who left us too early, there is no way we are giving in.
I’m Emma, I am a HKer.
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*On 21 July, a gang of men in white, suspected to be triad members, chased down civilians in Yuen Long MTR station and attacked them with sticks.
** Prince Edward Station: On 31 Aug, the Special Tactical Squad barged into platform and train carriages in the MTR (HK’s subway) station in Prince Edward. They were chasing and beating passengers inside the station, claiming that they are trying chase down protestors. Many individuals were injured in the station. Complied with the police’s demand, the MTR corporation then closed down the station, prohibiting First-Aider to enter the station to provide immediate first-aid and medical attention.
*** Tuen Mun Rally: On 21 Sept, there were 3 First-Aiders arrested during the ‘Restart Tuen Mun Park Again’ protest. The First-Aid volunteers were physically restrained by cable ties, and they were demanded to face the wall and kneel.
Journalist: Penguine
Art: Tendarken
Photos: Don, SL