Our team, DMAT NM-1 was flown into Tampa, FL to wait for the eye of Hurricane Frances to pass over. This photo illustrates the power of the wind. (photo by David Burke, EMT-P)
After the eye passed over, DMAT NM-1 was assigned to drive to Stuart, FL to set up a mobile hospital. Out convoy of 9 vans encountered severe weather, damaged highways, and heavy traffic. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
As we approach the deployment site, damage from the hours of hurricane force winds becomes apparent. (photo by Todd LeCesne, PA)
Extended duration hurricane force winds can really damage buildings. (photo by Todd LeCesne, PA)
One of these "four yachts in a row" has been covered by a piece of the roof. (photo by Todd LeCesne, PA)
DMAT NM-1 started setting up and was seeing patients in just under 3 hours of arrival (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Wayne Baker EMT-I, Chaplain Mike Thull, and Mike Foster EMT-P carry a part of a tent and Tom Cronin Communications Officer prepares to help take over. (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
The cache was loaded in two trucks (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Communications Officer Ralph Garano establishes satellite communication with command. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Apryl Keaty RN, Terry Garcia EMT, Rick Morgan DO, Randall Wahlert, Paul Umburger NP, and Todd LeCesne PA set up a roof support assembly (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
The tents have metal frames, insulation, electricity, a floor - everything we need. (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Apryl Keaty RN, Logistician Larry Richardson, Jan Pryor RN, Greg Hesch EMT-P, Tom Cronin Communications Officer, Ron Herring with FEMA, and Ralph Garano Communications Officer set up the frame for the command tent. (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
The large tent in front has 8 treatment beds in it, and the large tent behind that has 4 beds and the rest of the tent is dedicated to storing medical supplies. (photo by David Burke, EMT-P)
The command tent contains communication systems, including a satellite phone, a weather radio, ham radio equipment, and computers. (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Final
Plans
(photo by Randall Wahlert,
Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Rick Morgan DO and Peggy Hesch EMT-P are taking care of a baby (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Suturing
Teamwork is the key. Vince DiMarco sutures assisted by Greg Hesch EMT-P and John
Murtagh EMT-P (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Foot
Repair
Many people are being injured by debris . Todd LeCesne PA cleans a foot wound
before suturing. (photo
by
Steve
Shoup,
EMT-I)
Jeff Danska PA performs advanced procedures, assisted by Deb Boehme EMT-I. The waiting room at Martin County Hospital South is the shortest wait around thanks to the DMAT taking so many patients. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Rick Morgan DO and Bill Rice RN (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Greg Hesch EMT-P and Todd LeCesne PA treat a scalp wound. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Mike Richards MD, John Murtagh EMT-P and Todd LeCesne PA treat a facial wound. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Justin Hazen MD and Peggy Hesch EMT-P treat a hand injury. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Jeff Danska PA and Jan Pryor EMT-P look on as everything is carefully documented. Byron Piatt EMT-I and David Burke EMT-P alternate 12 hour shifts to ensure everything is in order. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
People in FL are very friendly and appreciative of the DMAT's work. Patients have returned the next day with cake, sandwiches, smoothies, and other tokens of their appreciation. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Communications Officers Tom Cronin (pictured) and Ralph Garano keep us in constant contact with command. These two work around the clock covering 24 hours a day, the whole time we are seeing patients. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
Bill Rice RN brings a patient's lab work from the ER to our tent hospital. (photo by David Burke, EMT-P)
Steve Trammel, Flight Nurse and DMAT Commander, is distributing sand bags in an effort to protect the tents from wind. (photo by Randall Wahlert, Safety Officer, HAZMAT, Logistics)
Mike Richards MD and Mark Shah MD, announce to the team the game-plan before we see our first patient, just under 3 hours after arriving on scene. (photo by Mike Foster, EMT-P)
One of our nice patients sent a "thank you" note
One of our nice patients sent a "thank you" note
One of our nice patients sent a "thank you" note
This is the team, and we want to remember Keri Brinegar and all the other 200+ people that are supporting us from New Mexico. Without them, none of this would be possible. (photo by Steve Shoup, EMT-I)
