Swine Flu claims coworker, friend, former Carnival entertainer

[PaulMedik]

Every single day I see people who either have swine flu or think they have swine flu and now swine flu has claimed a friend of mine. Mike Bloomfield spent the last few days fighting for his life after being exposed to and aquiring swine flu.

Mike was the type of person who worked and lived based on his principals. He never compromised on his beliefs and always advocated for his patients best interests. As a friend he was always there to offer personal advice and as a professional coworker he could always be depended upon to offer insight, guideance, and first hand experience in critical situations as well as routine procedures. If you were sick and needed someone to keep you alive, Mike was your savior. If you were a coworker and did not do your job correctly, Mike would let you know that too and would not let you touch his patients.

Mike also had insight and experience that would have been of interest to all of us at Cruise Critic from his years working as an entertainer on Carnival ships decades ago. I loved to listen to stories and details about behind the scenes happenings from lugging on band equipment to where and what his bunk arrangement would be from cruise to cruise. I wish he had been a Cruise Critic member so everyone could have benefited from his knowledge and insights. Having Mike around was like having my own personal Brian David Bruns to listen to. I started reading Brian's book this past weekend and had plenty of questions I would have liked to ask Mike.

As citizens of this country many of us know what it is like to have our loved ones leave and fight a war. Some of us know what it is like when loved ones don't come home. I look at swine flu differently now because I have lost a friend and coworker to swine flu. Mike Bloomfield did not leave to fight a war, but just like those who have, Mike gave his life fighting a war here at home. It is my hope and prayer that Mike will be remembered by all as one who gave his life fighting on the front lines against an unseen, unheard, but very real enemy.

Was Mike the first Health Care provider to die of swine flu? I don't know. I could Google it, but I don't feel like it. Will he be the last? One can't be certain of many things, but I can state with all certainty that he will not be.

The CDC offers many guidelines and statements for how we should deal with swine flu, but the way swine flu is actually dealt with is left to the the whim of people Mike would most likely have harsh words for; hospital administrators; people who are likely to have ZERO first hand experience with patient care, but who think they know it all. Hospital administrators make decisions based on black and white data. Those few who can see gray areas and know not to act based on partial facts are to be cherished.

Many Cruise Critic members are Health Care providers and many of us also work in Mike's chosen field of Emergency Medicine. I would ask that all of you who fit those categories to think of Mike and say to yourself; But for the Grace of God, There Go I.

[falkcor]

paul -

my deepest condolences for your loss.

and thank you for offering this, which in a way puts the topic into perspective.

something like this is always more real when it hits close to home. it's not all just about re-routed cruises or the like, there are real risks and consequences.

my best wishes to you and his family as you cope with your loss.

[*love2travel*]

Originally Posted by PaulMedik

Every single day I see people who either have swine flu or think they have swine flu and now swine flu has claimed a friend of mine. Mike Bloomfield spent the last few days fighting for his life after being exposed to and aquiring swine flu.

Mike was the type of person who worked and lived based on his principals. He never compromised on his beliefs and always advocated for his patients best interests. As a friend he was always there to offer personal advice and as a professional coworker he could always be depended upon to offer insight, guideance, and first hand experience in critical situations as well as routine procedures. If you were sick and needed someone to keep you alive, Mike was your savior. If you were a coworker and did not do your job correctly, Mike would let you know that too and would not let you touch his patients.

Mike also had insight and experience that would have been of interest to all of us at Cruise Critic from his years working as an entertainer on Carnival ships decades ago. I loved to listen to stories and details about behind the scenes happenings from lugging on band equipment to where and what his bunk arrangement would be from cruise to cruise. I wish he had been a Cruise Critic member so everyone could have benefited from his knowledge and insights. Having Mike around was like having my own personal Brian David Bruns to listen to. I started reading Brian's book this past weekend and had plenty of questions I would have liked to ask Mike.

As citizens of this country many of us know what it is like to have our loved ones leave and fight a war. Some of us know what it is like when loved ones don't come home. I look at swine flu differently now because I have lost a friend and coworker to swine flu. Mike Bloomfield did not leave to fight a war, but just like those who have, Mike gave his life fighting a war here at home. It is my hope and prayer that Mike will be remembered by all as one who gave his life fighting on the front lines against an unseen, unheard, but very real enemy.

Was Mike the first Health Care provider to die of swine flu? I don't know. I could Google it, but I don't feel like it. Will he be the last? One can't be certain of many things, but I can state with all certainty that he will not be.

The CDC offers many guidelines and statements for how we should deal with swine flu, but the way swine flu is actually dealt with is left to the the whim of people Mike would most likely have harsh words for; hospital administrators; people who are likely to have ZERO first hand experience with patient care, but who think they know it all. Hospital administrators make decisions based on black and white data. Those few who can see gray areas and know not to act based on partial facts are to be cherished.

Many Cruise Critic members are Health Care providers and many of us also work in Mike's chosen field of Emergency Medicine. I would ask that all of you who fit those categories to think of Mike and say to yourself; But for the Grace of God, There Go I.

What a nice tribute to your friend and co-worker. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cowboy_42266]

Lord God please open the gates of your kingdom and accept Mike Bloomfield into eternal salvation for he paid his dues here on Earth. Lord we also ask that you be with the friends and family of Mike in this their time of sorrow. Bless them and keep them strong for one day they will be reunited with Mike. AMEN


ALWAYS BLESSING'S NEVER LOSSES

[CruisnMom007]

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend This is so heart breaking!
I too had swine flu last month,CDC confirmed. It is horrible and I am very surprised at how lax the health care industry has been in not taking care of our Health Care workers! My doctors nurse got it the same week, I hope to God not from me. I took every precaution when I went in that office, I didn't go near anyone, I used my own pen to sign in, I didn't touch anything in there and I went out away from others as I was coughing terribly. Turned out 3 other positive cases came in the same week.
Thanks for passing this on to everyone. My prayers and condolences are with you and his family.

[rottiemom]

What a beautifully well written tribute. Well done!

[rsrmjs]

So sorrry for the loss of your friend.

[Livin4Real]

Thoughts and prayers for you all Paul.

[cmecruise1962]

After we returned from our cruise, I suspected my daughter might have Swine flu. A year ago, I would have given her a motrin and sent her to school...this year, I immediately made an appt to see the doctor. Luckily it was "only" pneumonia, but it has sure opened my eyes and convinced me that I will NOT go to work or send my child to school if I even suspect that it might be Swine flu.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family!

[MrPete]

I hope all the posters bitching about missing ports in the spring come and read this.

[laffnatu]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[alphakitty]

My condolences on the loss of your friend.

[ScottsSweetie]

You obviously admired and respected your colleague very much. So sorry for your loss.

Thank you for reminding us that our health care providers are at the "front lines" while treating this virus. Most of us hope to avoid contagious people - you all have to treat them all day long.

[poptart]

Paul,
I'm so sorry for your loss and for the world's loss for what sounds like a wonderful caring man.
May God bless and comfort you and all who are touch by the loss of your dear friend.

Swine flu terrifies me! My daughter has lupus, RA and other auto immune diseases---her physical therapist has already called her and told her to stay home until after flu season is over--they've already had 2 cases of swine flu at the center and they "cared" enough to call my daughter and say "stay away".....Good dedicated people like her, you and your friend are hard to find in this world and I appreciate and respect all of you.

BTW--I've told my daughter--you need to stay home!!!

Again, God Bless!

[pe4all]

Paul-
Your tribute brought tears to my eyes. Unfortunately, this death of your friend may be only the beginning of a long, hard battle fought in our own backyards. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences are sent to you, your family, and Mike's family.

[TakeMeAway1001]

Paul I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, prayers are coming your way and thank you for sharing your story with us ((HUGS))

[Georgiagolfer]

I think this puts everyday life in perspective. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mikes family. In Georgia one small county announced the closure of their schools today due to flu outbreak.

[Megnolia]

Paul, I'm so sorry to hear of the terrible loss of Mike.

It really puts this illness into perspective, since I am one who has been quick to dismiss it as the next big nothing... but reading this makes me realize that I've been wrong.

Thank you for sharing Mike's work and dedication with us.

[Peaceful]

Hearing that H1N1/Swine flu is not any more dangerous than any other flu is taking away the "in your face" truth that there are still some who will die. That was a heartfelt and wonderful tribute to your friend. Thank you for taking the time to post it and remind us all that life is fragile, more especially for those caregivers who are exposed daily to things we don't even think of. Please accept my sympathies for your loss.

[gail811]

My heartfelt sympathies Paul. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.