After Hurricanes, Mobile Medicine Meets Patients Where They Are

Health Services Reach Communities Battered by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

As the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton continues to unfold, the resilience of communities in the face of disaster is being reinforced by innovative medical interventions. Mobile medical units, once a staple of emergency response, have now become lifelines for patients in need, providing essential healthcare services directly to those affected by the storms. This article delves into the crucial role these units are playing in reaching communities, highlighting their impact and the challenges they are addressing.

The Need for Mobile Medicine

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left a trail of devastation across Florida and the Southeast, with widespread power outages, flooding, and debris-filled streets posing significant barriers to traditional healthcare access. In such conditions, mobile medical units offer a beacon of hope for those in need. These units, equipped with advanced medical facilities, can travel to remote areas and provide a range of services including emergency treatments, lab tests, imaging, and even admissions to nearby hospitals.

HCA Florida Largo Hospital’s Mobile Medical Unit

One such example is the mobile medical unit deployed by HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Located in the parking lot of the hospital, this 2,700-square-foot space is providing patients with emergency services at the hospital’s main campus. The unit is capable of serving 8 to 10 patients at a time and offers almost all the services that a freestanding emergency department would, including labs and imaging.

Nick Moore, the Assistant Medical Director for HCA Florida Largo Hospital, highlighted the adaptability of the unit: “It has been an adjustment to work in the parking lot here, but it actually is a lot roomier inside than you would think.” The hospital has safely transferred patients and closed operations after flooding during the hurricane, with CEO Sebastian Strom noting that there are over 200 workers coming and going around the clock to help get them back up and running as soon as possible.

International Medical Corps’ Response

International Medical Corps, a pre-vetted responder in Florida, has also been instrumental in the emergency response efforts. In preparation for Hurricane Milton’s landfall, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) asked International Medical Corps to keep a mobile medical unit mission-ready package (MRP) on standby. This includes clinical and operational staff, volunteers, supplies, and equipment ready to deploy within 48 hours of a request by FDEM.

Emergency Response Efforts

As part of their response, International Medical Corps has deployed an emergency response team to the state, continuing to work with the Department of Health and local partners to help families affected by the storms. The team provides essential medical services, including alternate power sources, coolers for medications that require refrigeration, tents for mobile health units, hygiene kits, food, water, and portable showers and washing machines.

Virtual House Calls During Natural Disasters

For those unable to physically reach medical facilities due to hazardous conditions, telemedical services have proven to be a lifesaver. Online medical care allows patients to see a doctor virtually, without the risks associated with traveling through dangerous weather. This approach has been particularly beneficial during hurricanes like Florence, where streets were flooded and debris-filled, making traditional medical visits perilous.

Benefits of Telemedicine

Telehealth services can provide immediate medical consultations without the need for physical travel. This is especially crucial for patients with chronic conditions who rely on powered health machines. During Hurricane Florence, telemedical services allowed patients to receive medical help without leaving their homes, thereby minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous conditions. Organizations like LiveHealth Online and Doctor On Demand have been at the forefront of this response, offering free online consultations to victims of major storms.

Americares’ Deployment in Western North Carolina

Americares, a humanitarian aid organization, has dispatched a mobile clinic to western North Carolina, where communities are still reeling from Hurricane Helene. The mobile clinic provides essential medical services, including prescribing medications, blood sugar testing, and tetanus vaccinations. A bilingual mental health professional is also on hand to meet with patients, provide mental health education, and make referrals as needed.

Mental Health Support

Americares’ team is conducting outreach in eight affected counties, including hard-hit areas like Swannanoa and Elk Park. They are also installing water purification systems, which can provide clean drinking water for up to 10,000 people per day. The organization is working in partnership with Planet Water Foundation to ensure that residents have access to clean drinking water.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Mobile medical units have a proven track record in disaster relief efforts. Following Hurricane Wilma in 2005, nine mobile medical vans were staffed with medical personnel to deliver care in communities affected by the storm. The units were particularly effective in reaching populations with acute and chronic medical, mental health, and social services needs. This collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies facilitated the delivery of care to thousands of persons affected by the storm.

Lessons Learned

The response to hurricanes like Wilma and the recent storms highlights the importance of infrastructure resilience and community preparedness. Mobile medical units are not just a temporary solution but a critical component of long-term disaster recovery efforts. These units can help minimize morbidity and psychological stress by providing immediate medical care, thereby reducing the burden on limited medical resources.

In conclusion, the deployment of mobile medical units during the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton underscores the innovative and adaptive nature of healthcare in the face of disaster. These units have not only saved lives but have also played a pivotal role in restoring hope and resilience to communities battered by the storms. As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by natural disasters, it is essential to recognize the value of mobile medicine in reaching patients where they are most needed.

---

References HCA Florida Largo Hospital opens mobile medical unit as it makes repairs after hurricane. International Medical Corps, We Are Responding to Hurricane Milton. How Online Medical Care Comes to the Rescue in Natural Disasters like Hurricane Florence. Americares Deploys Mobile Clinic and Water Systems for Hurricane Survivors in North Carolina. Mobilizing Mobile Medical Units for Hurricane Relief.