When it comes to reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic, we often read about the number of cases, the number of ICU beds available, the number of surge beds available, and the percentage of increased hospitalization rates. However, one critical ingredient that is just as important is the number of medical professionals available to treat COVID-19 patients. Eisenhower Health hospital in Rancho Mirage has reached its maximum number of available staff and asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to send active military medical personnel to Eisenhower to help with a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“The hospital is nearing capacity in our ICU and on our Covid-19 units,” says Alan Williamson, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Eisenhower Health. “Currently, we only have three more ‘staffed’ beds available in the ICU. Additionally, we are approaching 80 percent of bed capacity within the hospital, but are at virtually 100 percent of our staffing capacity. We are grateful for the support from FEMA and its Air Force Medical response team. It comes at a critical time.”
Each of us can do our part to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 and help our medical heroes by following these safety tips:
- Wear a face mask or covering when in public and intermixing with those outside of your immediate household
- Social distance at least 6 feet from those outside of your immediate household
- Wash your hands often throughout the day especially before eating and drinking
- Avoid touching your face unless you clean or sanitize your hands first
- Disinfect items touched often like surfaces and smartphones
- Stay home unless going out for essential functions
