Governor M. Jodi Rell announced last week that she has informed the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) that Connecticut’s mobile hospital can be used to assist the relief efforts in Haiti.
Connecticut’s mobile hospital, which consists of 100-bed units, can be transported to Haiti should the federal government need it.
The $8.25 million hospital began operating in 2006, and it can be erected and staffed within hours of an emergency. The mobile hospital is complete with electricity, water, heat and air conditioning. It can be deployed in sections, and these 25-bed unit sections can be operated jointly or independently of one another.
“The hospital can only be deployed if the federal government officially requests it,” said Donna Tommelleo, a member of the Governor’s Communications Office. “The Governor herself cannot authorize it to move outside of the country.”
Connecticut’s rapid-response Disaster Medical Assistance Team (CT-DMAT) would staff the hospital if needed also.
CT-DMAT is composed of 120 specialists that are trained in disaster situations, such as the one that occurred in Haiti. The team consists of specialized nurses, orthopedic surgeons and various other medical practitioners.
“They are trained in medical assistance for disastrous situations – like if a building were to collapse or if there was a flood,” said Tommelleo. “They are people that can mobilize quickly and prioritize.”
CT-DMAT was established in 2002 and consists of volunteer medical professionals. They are under the control of the U.S. Public Health Service and are part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). There are 36 teams nation-wide and each go through intensive training.
“We go through initial online training and then monthly training after that,” said Leonard Guercia, a member of CT-DMAT. “The training consists of things such as safety or working in a hazardous environment.”
Previously, the CT-DMAT has been deployed to help with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike. Although the team has not been officially requested for Haiti yet, each team in the country was asked to prepare rosters of volunteers.
Rell has been working with many people in Connecticut to see what else can be done for Haiti. Currently Rell has set up a relief fund with Bank of America dedicated to the specific needs for children, such as school or pediatric supplies. She is also working with Connecticut’s Association of Schools (CAS), helping many students with their efforts as well.
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