Mobile field hospital based at NHRMC will serve Southeast N.C. during disasters

Surgery in a tent is not really an ideal situation, but in an emergency, it could save your life. Mark Bennett, Disaster Preparedness Specialist, says that the lessons learned from Katrina lead to the new design of field hospital. The New Hanover Health Network and the State Medical Assistance Team unveiled a new mobile hospital unit. The trailer is designed to take care of victims in an emergency in Southeastern North Carolina. Bennett said, "the trailer itself, not only does it haul the equipment to the facility, but once it's on sight it serves as sleep and resting quarters for our crews." The State Medical Assistance Team trailer is 53 feet long and can set up a 60 bed medical facility. The field hospital has the capability to handle minor trauma, respiratory, orthopedic, inpatient and intensive care services. Matt Bennett says the trailer should ease community concerns because it’s in town and within 45 minutes can be in any county in our region and ready for use in a couple hours. This is a welcome tool for a region in the heart of hurricane country. If the trailer is needed it can go anywhere, it can even be flown to other countries. For more information on the State Medical Assistance Team, visit www.NCSERAC.org.