On duty 24-7

Mr. Chenaie, what is the current situation of Bauerfeind in Paris?

Well, we do everything to keep infections risks low and avoid contamination. So, we are organizing our order, marketing and secretarial services via telework for full coverage of our usual business hours. Twice a week a person comes in to take care of the deliveries. Other workflows are divided into two to three separate shifts and our HR department as well as myself are on call 24 hours a day for our employees’ questions and needs.

Managing director during the day, doctor at night and at weekends. What are you dealing with as reservist immunologist at the moment?

Mainly with critical situations. There is an overflow of emergency phone calls and people in need of resuscitation measures. During the week I help with night shifts on the phone and on Saturdays or Sundays patients at the advanced regulation station of the Percy and Bégin Military Hospital by sorting and distributing incoming patients for efficient care of as many as possible.

What is important right now?

Educating the population about the health recommendations is our most powerful tool. It is all about hygiene, containment and respect. Next to this, we have to organize the medical teams and their care at the sight of deficiencies in protective equipment and the running out of materials. The coronavirus crisis clearly teaches us one lesson for the future: investing in the health sector will never be a waste of money!

How do you stay fit in 7-day work weeks?

Fortunately, 3 hours of sleep are enough for me, so it is physiologically my chance! The last days I had rather micro naps from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, good food, 30 minutes sports a day and the permanent support of my loved ones keep me going. I would also like to thank all the people at Bauerfeind for their support and their solidarity with France.