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The three keys to surviving a crisis, according to a retired Canadian general

General Romeo Dallaire offered his advice for dealing with a life-and-death situation.
March 26, 2020 9:14 a.m. EST
March 26, 2020 9:14 a.m. EST
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 26, 2020: A woman in a medical mask carries plastic bags by the Novomoskovsky multipurpose medical center for patients suspected of the COVID-19 coronavirus infection and passengers with acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) symptoms arriving from countries with unfavorable epidemiological situation. Sergei Savostyanov/TASS (Photo by Sergei Savostyanov\TASS via Getty Images) MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 26, 2020: A woman in a medical mask carries plastic bags by the Novomoskovsky multipurpose medical center for patients suspected of the COVID-19 coronavirus infection and passengers with acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) symptoms arriving from countries with unfavorable epidemiological situation. Sergei Savostyanov/TASS (Photo by Sergei Savostyanov\TASS via Getty Images)
Canadian General Romeo Dallaire led the 1994 peacekeeping mission in Rwanda, and he's not a stranger to life and death decisions. With COVID-19 sweeping across the country, and the world, those same kinds of choices are now a reality for healthcare workers. The General recently tweeted out some advice to the world during this dark time, and spoke with Your Morning to break down his guidance further. Find what he had to say below, and watch the video above for more from Dallaire.

KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN

This first piece of advice is essential, because nobody can get through a crisis alone. Communication is essential to surviving and sustaining their efforts, and leaning on peers and colleagues when they're hurting or need help is key. Talk it through - don't try to absorb it all. Lean on each other.

DO NOT TAKE ANY RISKS NOT ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR SURVIVAL

Healthcare workers, and anybody working through this crisis, are going to have to take risks. It's just part of the mission. It may even put you in harms way, but it must be done knowing that it is the best solution for the situation.

THINK OF OTHERS WHO ARE AT THE HEART OF THE CRISIS

The General's last piece of advice is to think of others, think of people that are supporting you, and be careful. Always keep in mind those back home that you're fighting for.[video_embed id='1928119']BEFORE YOU GO: How COVID-19 could impact Canada's homeless population[/video_embed]

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