The Nebraska Medicine emergency preparedness team has completed setup of tents outside the emergency department for a potential surge of COVID-19 coronavirus patients.
The two main tents can hold up to 19 patients in stations separated by curtains. Medical teams will be able to test patients for COVID-19, offer IV fluids, monitor vital signs and perform some diagnostic tests like chest X-rays.
Setup began with one tent last week with a second patient tent being added this week. A third tent will provide a work space for staff and an area for crews to safely remove personal protective equipment. The tent is equipped with electricity, wireless internet, heat and air conditioning.
This surge area allow patients exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to be treated in an area away from people who might need treatment for things like heart attacks, strokes or traumas. There is also a designated area inside the med center to treat anyone with more serious or critical issues linked to COVID-19.
The emergency department plans to use the tents for patients later this week to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Suzanne Watson, nurse manager for the emergency department, says, “We have such an amazing team of people that do disaster preparedness and pandemic planning. They have thought ahead to all sorts of different scenarios and we have practiced different scenarios.”
Anyone with minor COVID-19 symptoms is still urged to self-quarantine and monitor their symptoms at home. If someone is experiencing symptoms that require medical care, they should call their primary care physician or our COVID-19 hotline at 402.559.0041. In an emergency situation, they should come directly to the emergency department.