The following includes information regarding damage control immediately following Hurricane Sandy. Erik Braunitzer is a writer for Douglas Elliman, brokers for NYC, Long Island and Hamptons Real Estate.
Hurricane Sandy tested the medical community in New York, New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania areas. The aftermath of the storm has forced medical professionals to step up and help with rescue and relief. Nurses, in particular, have been instrumental in moving patients from one location to another.
Nurses Available to Help People After Hurricane Sandy
The AFT-affiliated Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) have been sending nurses to work twenty-four hours per day and seven days per week to care for patients. These nurses have been dealing with the aftermath of the storm in their lives and in the lives of others. Many of these healthcare professionals have exhibited great strength in the tragic time.
Challenges of Receiving Care After Hurricane Sandy
New Jersey was one of the hardest hit areas. Most of the medical centers are full to capacity. On November 2, most of the hospitals were operating on generators because the power had not been restored. Hospitals affected by evacuations and the loss of power include: Christ Hospital, Meadowlands Hospital, Palisades Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center. The nursing homes are receiving numerous new patients.
Home Healthcare, Hospice and Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy came at a time that is traditionally set aside to celebrate home healthcare and hospice. As nursing homes received more volume during Hurricane Sandy, places such as the VNA of Western Pennsylvania had to step up. These types of nursing homes are trained in emergency response and can help the elderly population and the chronically ill.
Nurses Put Aside Personal Problems to Care for Those in Need
Nurses had to brave the roads and travel during difficult times. Nurses often recounted the treacherous driving conditions during the storm, but it was necessary to care for patients. Most people nurses did not view their actions as a heroic feat, but a necessary action to ensure all people harmed during the storm received proper care.
Many people do not recognize that nurses are recovering from the hurricane also. Healthcare professionals have problems also and yet, they continue to help and deal with the problems of others. Healthcare professionals have been instrumental in the recovery of the area.
Medical Professionals Prepared in Advance for Hurricane Sandy
Medical professionals have a huge responsibility during a natural disaster. This is why healthcare professionals were prepared in advance for this storm by the CDC. They were instructed to advise diabetes patients and other patients with chronic diseases to be prepared. The aftermath of the storm could raise stress levels and cause many people with chronic diseases to become ill and require hospitalization. The CDC helps them prepare for this event and helped them inform patients to have supplies ready in advance to prepare for this event. Healthcare preparedness and business continuity have been the primary focus during this disaster.
Hurricane Sandy Teaches Medical Professionals How to Prepare for Future Disasters
Hurricane Sandy has taught medical professionals lessons on how to prepare for future disasters. When medical professionals are prepared, they can administer healthcare better and save more lives. Medical professionals can learn from their experiences and document what occurred to help them be more prepared for the future.
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