Power cuts may be inconvenient for most, but for Paul Buhagiar, they could be fatal.
The 65-year-old, a former policeman and water polo player, suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and is now homebound in his Santa Venera apartment.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition and is characterised by scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
He takes over 700 pills a month, some funded by the government, others paid out of his own pocket, and relies on an oxygen machine to stay alive.
So when the electricity goes off, so does his only source of oxygen.
Paul Buhagiar said he has made peace with the idea of death, but not the fear that a power cut could bring it on suddenly.
He shared his story with Hospice Malta in a video interview ahead of this Sunday’s 12-hour telethon, themed Ħajja sal-aħħar [Life till the end].
“I am apparently electrically operated. If the electricity stops, so do I,” he shared. “If you don’t get it back within a few minutes, you’re gone. You turn purple. I have already had a number of close shaves when the electricity goes,” said the pragmatic Buhagiar.
Buhagiar speaking from his home. Vidoe: Hospice
Speaking to Times of Malta, he said he has made peace with the idea of death, but not the fear that a power cut could bring it on suddenly.
“I know where I am heading, so I am not scared to die. I’ve lived a good life,” he said.
“But sometimes the power cuts are the only thing that run through my mind. So much so I am scared to sleep sometimes,” he said.
One of his greatest worries is that a power cut will hit while he’s asleep and unable to react.
“This is my biggest concern these days,” said Buhagiar.
He noted that he even got a generator to use as backup just in case, but due to the heat in summer, even that can overheat and stop.
Paul Buhagiar used to be very keen on fishing.
Buhagiar has lived with the condition for around 20 years, but his health has sharply declined over the past two years and he has been using Hospice’s services since June last year. He now only leaves the house for hospital visits.
Despite the challenges, he maintains an upbeat outlook and reflects fondly on his life.
“I have enjoyed my life. I lived in the UK and spent a lot of time at sea, swimming or fishing. Being by the sea used to make me very happy.”
Though his world has shrunk, he still finds joy in visits from friends and family and watching sports. The care he receives from Hospice Malta has become a vital source of comfort.
“To me hospice is like a second mum. Because I am being loved as much as a mother would her child,” said Buhagiar. He shared that he feels incredibly supported and lucky to receive this service.
Paul Buhagiar after a fishing trip.
Hospice Malta has supported 1,560 patients this year and now operates from the new St Michael Hospice, which will soon house 16 in-patient rooms. Demand is rising and according to Hospice they receive three new patients each day. Sunday’s telethon (11am–11pm) will be aired on every local station and will help fund its free professional home and hospice care.
“What you have to do it because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” shared Buhagiar as a reminder for anyone willing to listen.