Guest Book

....update from Bham.... Been in disaster mode at the hospital since Tuesday. Started receiving patients at 0109AM this morning. Three flights have landed since friday, more coming. We hear Atlanta received 400 patients as of Friday AM. Dan, you have got to see this; patients come off the plane with nothing but the clothes off their back. As I have stated earlier in the week, I feared a lot of Phych patients...well, there are many. They are wild and scared. Third flight halted due to security breech..no data. The stories are incredible. One patient was assaulted for his shoes and watch. Family presumed dead. Stories of patients laying next to the dead. Dead everywhere they are saying. No paperwork, no history, no meds. They just fly in and dont know what is coming in, but they keep coming in. No end in sight. I hear the more they triage out, just as many come in, so the flow is increased if anything. Dan, its mostly non-trauma right now. A lot of psych patients and CV. Med-surg units will get slammed. I am fearful that just the shear stress will cause the psych unit to fill quickly as well. My suggestion to anyone. If you want to help with supplies, call your local hospital to see if they are collecting goods for the patients coming from New Orleans. Yes, it has been well documented the RC and so forth want $$$, but, these inpatients are going to need clothes and supplies placed in their hands once they are discharged, and, if they come with family members, need to get basic supplies. In our hospital's case, these patients are covered regardless of insurance status. Same goes for their meds once they are discharged. They are in good hands and will be cared for. Some of you have been real pricks, but for those who have flamed me, I was mad early on but right now too busy to worry about your hang-ups. I do want to say this however, and its my opinion and if you dont like, tough *****. I am pissed off at anyone who has nothing better to do than armchair quarterback this deal. Some rapper said Bush does not help blacks, and that is pure, absolute bullshit. When those folks get off the plane, they are NOT treated in any way other than as a victim needing immediate help. And they are trated with compassion and respect, period. Please, keep the focus on the victims and let the assholes howl at the moon. Most of these folks who are complaining have never, ever, had to perform logistics. It aint perfect folks. The lack of communication is amazing but it is improving. I think everyone is so overwhelmed, the front line folks simply have never experienced this. But as each hour passes, everyone learns and corrects. Please, support our President...encourage him to be agressive in dealing with this. Remember, the government has to do many, many things all at the same time. Can you imagine the fastballs coming in all at once? Social order, illness, death, utilities, toxic waste, all of the logistics involved....simply overwhelming. Thanks...pray for the front lline medical staffs out there in New Orleans....they are seeing everything out there.