Mandatory Evacuation

[littlefield]

---

Members don't see this ad.

A question:

When an area undergoes a "mandatory evacuation," as is currently happening in the Gulf states, do the EDs in those areas stay open or are the ED staff expected to evacuate as well, leaving those who are too stubborn to leave on their own?

Whatever the answer, I'm not sure which is appropriate.

Thanks,

L

 

[GeneralVeers]

During my time in Corpus Christi, TX, we were told that we'd have to stay over at the hospital in order to deal with the emergencies after the hurricanes had passed.

Basically we're expected to forfeit our freedom and personal safety to look after the dumb people who won't heed common sense and evacuate.

 

[nlax30]

From what I've experienced in Florida they stay open.

Been looking at some of the news in the past day and looks like most of the New Orleans hospitals are keeping their EDs open. They've canceling surgeries and evacuating that patients that they could but have called in the necessary medical personnel/shift that's designated to come in and work during these times.

 

[EM2BE]

I have another question with this. How do people who have no car evacuate? Do they offer a free bus / train ride out? (never had to deal with hurricanes)

 

[oompaloompa]

I have another question with this. How do people who have no car evacuate? Do they offer a free bus / train ride out? (never had to deal with hurricanes)

That's exactly what happens. I was in med school in Houston when they evacuated half of New Orleans into the Astrodome/Reliant Center. Dozens of buses arriving over the course of days. Of course at that point many didn't really want to stay cooped up in another giant stadium after the Superdome deathtrap fiasco. Can't say I blame them, but the nearby neighborhoods where I lived became reminiscent of a refugee camp. What do you do with thousands of people with no home, no money, no jobs, many primarily living off a welfare state? Friggin disaster, Houston is still recovering. But if lives are in the balance, what other option is there?

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

I have another question with this. How do people who have no car evacuate? Do they offer a free bus / train ride out? (never had to deal with hurricanes)

Buses and trains.

The 'Amtrack' train was taken over by FEMA that runs out of New Orleans north towards Chicago. Jackson MS school system sent like 50 buses.

They dropped off a handful of people last night to us here in in Jackson for medical problems. The train was headed to Memphis....


I dunno what all exactly is going on down at the coast in the way of the EDs, but I will tell you that here in Jackson, MS things have really been ramped up and we are ready. We evidently have all this new fancy emergency equipment since Katrina and its all poised and ready to use. Part of that includes a portable 50 bed hospital! I am hoping to get to go down to the coast for a few days as things transpire over the next week. I have signed up as a volunteer to go...

The Seniors and other staff say to get ready because it was quite an expererience when Katrina came through. I think we have 179 transfers to our ED in one day?


I better get some sleep!