The big boys at NDMS have determined it is better to keep us deployed and in staging for Ike, rather than try to re-deploy us. This is sensible and frustrating, as it means cooling our heals a bit longer before the potential for setting up shop. It also makes it harder on family and work. We have gone from a two week deployment to a possibly 3-4 week deployment. I can't say I could do this type of stint a second time. Not that I'm not ready and willing to help, but it doesn't seem fair to my real world.
Ike is worrying officials in a different way than Gustav. It's nothing palpable, just a sense of urgency. 7 more DMAT teams and numerous US Public Health Service personnel (some put the combined total at 1000) have been staged in Atlanta. That would put the number of DMATs (including full teams and strike teams)* deployed for the Gulf Coast at somewhere around 30. This deployment rivals Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005.
Hanna is in North Carolina as I type this. I called home, and everyone is fine and safe. A few power outages in Wake County, but nothing worse than a tree down here and there and LOTS of rain. You guys be safe. Don't wander out unecessarily.
More later.
*Full (level 1) DMATs are 36 member teams with field hospital provisioning. Strike Teams are smaller units pulled from a DMAT to serve a specific function, like run a part of the command center or assess needs in an affected area.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Learning Patience - Click Me!
Still in Tallahassee. Why you might ask? Well, while any threat from Hurricane Gustav may have passed, and the affected states managing to take care of there citizens without too much trouble, the Atlantic isn't quite finished with us yet.
Although these are just my thoughts, I think it would be easier to keep us deployed than to attempt to re-deploy. Although frustrating to be "stuck" in a motel, it is a necessary part of disaster preparedness.
Please keep an eye on both TS Hanna and H Ike, as they both have the ability to create a major problem. Ike increased from a tropical storm to a category 4 hurricane in about 12 hours. Absolutely incredible...and very frightening.
More updates as they occur.
Although these are just my thoughts, I think it would be easier to keep us deployed than to attempt to re-deploy. Although frustrating to be "stuck" in a motel, it is a necessary part of disaster preparedness.
Please keep an eye on both TS Hanna and H Ike, as they both have the ability to create a major problem. Ike increased from a tropical storm to a category 4 hurricane in about 12 hours. Absolutely incredible...and very frightening.
More updates as they occur.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Hurricane Gustav and Friends - Click Me!
Hi, everyone!
Well, here I am, sitting in the lobby of the Hampton Inn in Tallahassee. Florida (get Mom or Dad to help you look up Tallahassee and New Orleans, Louisiana), waiting to hear when, or if, we'll be assigned a medical mission.
What do I do here? I'm a registered paramedic with a Disaster Medical Assistant Team, part of the National Disaster Medical System. Basically, we are a 335 member medical team that sets up a field hospital in areas of need during natural and man-made disasters. You can read more about us here:
http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opeo/ndms/teams/dmat.html
Right now we are watching news reports for Hurricane Gustav (HG) and thinking there may not be any real mission. That is, there are thousands and thousands of evacuaies all across the Gulf states, but whether or not they are medically in need is another issue.
But wait, there's more! Look at the link for Weather Underground. The Atlantic Basin is just one long daisy chain of storms. Hurrican Hanna (HH), Tropical Storm Ike (TSI), and depression 99, which probably won't be much of a problem, knock on wood.
Our team, called DMAT NC-1, is part of the United States government, so I'm a federal employee while deployed, which could last up to two weeks. It's a little like when military reserve or national guardsman get deployed. What's the coolest part? We wear military fatigues (excet they're dark blue)! Sorry, scouts, no guns or drill sergeants.
Now, for scout parents, you're federal tax dollar is being wisely used while we await a mission (this is referred to as staging or pre-positioning). We are provided with training, staff meetings, and equipment checks.
One of the things that attracts me to this is the requirement to be ready to mobilize within 4 hours of activation. This requires me to maintain a certain amoount of readiness at home, keeping my gear packed and in order. Also attractive, is taking care of patients in an environment missing air conditioning, adequate sleeping facilities (that is, a motel), and working shoulder to shoulder with other healthcare professionals, like doctors and such.
Bu, the biggest reason is know that when all is said and done, I have a chance to work with a team to deliver quality and compassionate medical care to people of have lost homes, family, friends, possessions, and have no idea what the next day will bring. I'll be home after a couple of weeks. Will they?
I'll update this as I can, as circumstances change, and as internet access permits.
I miss the pack!! Give me a call and say hi! 919-926-8403.
Well, here I am, sitting in the lobby of the Hampton Inn in Tallahassee. Florida (get Mom or Dad to help you look up Tallahassee and New Orleans, Louisiana), waiting to hear when, or if, we'll be assigned a medical mission.
What do I do here? I'm a registered paramedic with a Disaster Medical Assistant Team, part of the National Disaster Medical System. Basically, we are a 335 member medical team that sets up a field hospital in areas of need during natural and man-made disasters. You can read more about us here:
http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opeo/ndms/teams/dmat.html
Right now we are watching news reports for Hurricane Gustav (HG) and thinking there may not be any real mission. That is, there are thousands and thousands of evacuaies all across the Gulf states, but whether or not they are medically in need is another issue.
But wait, there's more! Look at the link for Weather Underground. The Atlantic Basin is just one long daisy chain of storms. Hurrican Hanna (HH), Tropical Storm Ike (TSI), and depression 99, which probably won't be much of a problem, knock on wood.
Our team, called DMAT NC-1, is part of the United States government, so I'm a federal employee while deployed, which could last up to two weeks. It's a little like when military reserve or national guardsman get deployed. What's the coolest part? We wear military fatigues (excet they're dark blue)! Sorry, scouts, no guns or drill sergeants.
Now, for scout parents, you're federal tax dollar is being wisely used while we await a mission (this is referred to as staging or pre-positioning). We are provided with training, staff meetings, and equipment checks.
One of the things that attracts me to this is the requirement to be ready to mobilize within 4 hours of activation. This requires me to maintain a certain amoount of readiness at home, keeping my gear packed and in order. Also attractive, is taking care of patients in an environment missing air conditioning, adequate sleeping facilities (that is, a motel), and working shoulder to shoulder with other healthcare professionals, like doctors and such.
Bu, the biggest reason is know that when all is said and done, I have a chance to work with a team to deliver quality and compassionate medical care to people of have lost homes, family, friends, possessions, and have no idea what the next day will bring. I'll be home after a couple of weeks. Will they?
I'll update this as I can, as circumstances change, and as internet access permits.
I miss the pack!! Give me a call and say hi! 919-926-8403.
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