COVID-19 continues to ravage the United States and hospitals are seeing another influx of patients, with little to no room to fit them all. Field hospitals can help medical facilities with the amount of patients, while ensuring safety protocols remain in place.
At the beginning of 2020, many of us were blindsided by the coronavirus. This couldn’t happen here, could it? It can’t be as bad as they are saying, right? In a few weeks, it will all go away and we will get back to normal, won’t it?
We were optimistic at the time because the idea of wearing masks, mandating quarantine, and not being able to find toilet paper were so unheard of – and so not normal. We thought that it would disappear, and we’d be moving forward with life by summertime.
And, yet, here we are, heading into 2021 with a rise in cases greater than when we started.
All along, our frontline workers at local hospitals across the nation – and the world – have been ferociously fighting this unseen beast. Risking their own lives to save those in the community.
Stop for a moment and think about this: What happens to our country when our medical professionals can no longer carry this fight?
That scary thought is exactly why we need to protect them – and all of us. Field hospitals are a great place to start.
The Importance of Field Hospitals
When you are dealing with an easily transmitted, potentially fatal virus, you need to take all precautions necessary. When the coronavirus first made its way into our headlines, people with medical conditions that needed to be seen by a doctor went untouched. People were afraid to go to the hospital.
While hospitals have done a really good job of making the best use of their space imaginable, for some, there is just not enough. Not to mention that having too many people piled into one space not only creates a sense of organized chaos but also increases the risk that the virus may be spread without even realizing it.
The idea behind field hospitals is perfect because it allows additional space that the concrete walls of the hospital cannot give. Many have used field hospitals to solely treat COVID-19 patients – keeping them out of contact with anyone vulnerable who may be being treated inside. Others have used them to treat minor medical emergencies so that those in the community don’t fear going to the hospital when needed. And, yet, others use them as a place for testing and screening before entering the hospital itself. Temporary medical facilities can provide COVID-19 relief throughout the country.
Benefits to Doctors and Nurses
Many people need to be commended for their hard work and dedication to aiding in this global health crisis. But, let’s face it – doctors and nurses take the cake. They are the ones that are face-to-face with COVID-19 every single day.
It’s both mentally and physically draining for these medical professionals to do what they do every single day for nearly a year now. It’s time they have some relief – something that will provide them benefits.
By setting up a clearspan tent structure as a field hospital, the entire medical team can experience some relief. Including –
- Limiting exposure inside the hospital by keeping positive COVID cases.
- Having more space to maneuver to get their job done right.
- Create a safe flow throughout the medical facility to increase patient attendance and decrease the risk of exposure.
Being able to come to work each day knowing that things are under control is one of the greatest benefits to these individuals who have been under mental exhaustion for so long due to the pandemic.
Testing Facilities
Most people who head to COVID-19 testing facilities either believe they may have come in contact with the virus or are experiencing symptoms. This puts those administering the tests at a high level of risk. Without these test sites, however, many of these individuals may find themselves standing at the doors of the local hospital. And that, well, puts many people at risk.
As states and communities have set up test facilities, many have chosen large tent structures to get the job done. These structures allow for the flow of people – in and out through garage doors – without ever even leaving their car. Another option is for a testing site outside the hospital so that those in need of treatment can get tested before entering the hospital. Both of these options greatly reduce the risk for everyone involved.
The Struggle We Face is Great
The battle that is being fought during this coronavirus pandemic is going to go down in the history books. It has been brutal on all of us – especially those in the medical community.
We thought that it was going to be under control rather quickly. But, as we have seen, there is a great resurgence of the virus – and there is no surefire answer as to when the vaccine will be administered widely throughout communities.
Until then, we can do what is necessary to keep everyone safe and ease the burden on hospitals and staff by increasing space and reducing risk. All things that can be done with the use of clearspan tent structures for field hospitals.
We Want to Help
At American Pavilion, we want to help. While we can’t halt the spread of the virus as much as we would love to, we see a great need – and we have an answer. It’s what we do.
Tents of all sizes. We have tents that can be set up as mini testing sites and those that can function as field hospitals. Depending on your need and what you need it for, the tent can be easily customized to meet the specifications.
Strong and outlasting. These tents are wind and water-resistant and are designed for long-term use. They can stand up to inclement weather and allow work to continue as usual.
Important features. Many features are important and necessary to have when you are dealing with patients in a hospital setting, such as:
- overhead lighting
- proper stable flooring
- electrical outlets
- HVAC systems for 100% fresh air delivery
- running water
- restrooms
And that’s just naming a few.
Conclusion
When it comes to combating the COVID-19 crisis, clearspan tent structures can help. Communities around the country have found them beneficial in creating field hospitals thanks to their durability and customizability, but mostly because of the protection and reduction of risk that they bring to those so crucial in this fight: our doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
