"Five Days at Memorial" by Sheri Fink is a gripping and heartbreaking account of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans. Fink provides a detailed and in-depth look at the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals during the crisis, particularly in the face of limited resources and overwhelming circumstances.
The book follows the stories of doctors, nurses, and patients who were trapped in the hospital during the storm and its aftermath. Fink delves into the difficult decisions that had to be made, including the controversial choice to euthanize patients who were deemed too sick to survive without medical intervention.
Fink's writing is both informative and compassionate, as she humanizes the healthcare professionals who were faced with impossible choices. She also raises important questions about the role of healthcare in society, the importance of disaster preparedness, and the ethical considerations that must be taken into account in times of crisis.
Overall, "Five Days at Memorial" is a thought-provoking and powerful read that sheds light on the complexities of healthcare in the face of disaster. It is a must-read for anyone interested in medical ethics, disaster response, or the human impact of natural disasters.