Nurse Anesthesiologist Battles Virus Daily: Local Patch Hero

COLUMBIA, MD — Every day, Cesar Jesus Visurraga of Columbia reports to work on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus. As a nurse anesthesiologist, Visurraga responds to all code blue calls, airway emergencies and rapid response team demands. He was nominated by his mom, Ana, as a local Patch hero.

"(He is) at greatest risk to the coronavirus but he confidently rises to these emergencies in hopes to save one more life. Cesar Visurraga leads his Maryland-based Anesthesia Services company from the front with special attention to patient care and employee safety during this pandemic," his mom wrote.

Visurraga told Patch that he has worked in the medical field for 16 years, eight of those as a captain in the U.S. Army. Now he manages a team of more than 26 nurse anesthesiologists who enter healthcare facilities to provide anesthesia services across the Tri-State region. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, he finds himself working more than 60 hours a week.

"In general, the field of anesthesiology is very stressful as we are responsible mainly for the management of cardiac and pulmonary status during anesthesia and emergencies. Right now, it remains stressful but expected as part of the job," Visurraga told Patch. "The early measures for employee and patient safety taken by my company, Visurraga Enterprises LLC and affiliated healthcare facilities, have increased the level of trust and confidence in performing anesthesia duties."

Visurraga reported that medical providers are remaining steady in this fight against the deadly virus.

"Patient safety is always the priority, as well as an emphasis on employee safety which, in turn, raises employee satisfaction. During these unprecedented times, vigilance on seeking more opportunities of empathy with my fellow anesthesia providers has helped assure support for my fellow colleagues," he said. "As a manager and anesthesia provider, I believe it is my responsibility to lead from the front. Therefore, I am actively involved in direct patient care delivering anesthesia for surgeries or responding to airway emergencies. Also, I manage colleague assignments, schedules and assess patients for appropriateness for surgery."

A modest man, Visurraga said saving lives is a "humbling experience."

"Because during these moments where every second counts, I feel like I am part of worthy mission, supported by God. In addition to having my family as my purpose-driven life, trying and saving lives is a purpose-driven profession, which is its own reward. Servitude to patient safety is a humbling and rewarding profession. The most rewarding part of trying and saving lives is being part of a united effort of self-sacrifice and medical expertise to help a patient," he said. "My heart goes out to all family members affected for their loss."