Thursday, March 5, 2020
SJRMC Holds Preparatory Drill
San Juan Regional Medical Center held a drill to prepare for a potential surge of patients presenting to the hospital with influenza-like illnesses. This is part of our Emergency Preparedness Plan in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 and is meant to reassure our patients and our community that we are doing everything we can to keep them, as well as our caregivers, safe.
This drill included the use of a “drive-through” assessment area and a covered treatment tent in one of the parking lots on West Pinon Street across the street from the hospital. If warranted, patients coming to the Emergency Department with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath would be directed to this area, evaluated, and treated if necessary. The goal is to keep those patients out of the Emergency Department and away from others to prevent the spread of illness.
“We are engaged in a robust planning and preparedness effort with the aim of optimizing care for our patients and protecting all of our SJRMC team members’ health and safety,” said Dr. Brad Greenberg, Medical Director of Emergency Preparedness. “By planning and practicing with drills and exercises, we will be better prepared to serve our patients as our region’s community owned and operated hospital.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to practice standard infection prevention measures.
- Wash your hands. The CDC recommends washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing or if your hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick.
For the latest information on the coronavirus and what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, visit https://www.sanjuanregional.com/coronavirus and sign up for our blog, Homegrown Health News https://www.sanjuanregional.com/blog/.
