What do front-line Healthcare Heroes think about when they are putting on their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Certified Respiratory Therapist and Healthcare Hero, Chris Mullins says his thoughts go straight to his patients and how he hopes to help them feel better.

He has been caring for patients for 15 years and has been working with COVID-19 patients since the PMC COVID Unit expanded to the ninth floor.

“It is heartbreaking to watch people struggle to breathe,” said Mullins. “On the flip-side, it gives you a great feeling when you see your patients get better.”

He says his biggest concern is that people could unknowingly pass the virus along to others. He wants everyone to understand that the virus is real and is affecting real people. He urges everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands, and practice social distancing.

“When you see how sick the patients can become, you just have to trust in God to help them,” explained Mullins.

Treating COVID-19 is part of everyday care for Mullins and his wife, Becky, who works as a registered nurse at PMC.  She works with COVID-19 patients in the PMC Intensive Care Unit and the COVID Unit.

They have two children Kaydance (14) and Kylie (10). Many of their most memorable times together include family game night, fishing, and riding ATVs. When COVID was not a problem, you could regularly find them at an amusement park.