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All across America, counties are preparing for emergencies or disasters that may challenge the ability of health and medical systems to care for an unexpected surge of patients. Of the twelve non-specialty hospitals in Franklin County, only one is a children’s hospital to handle a large increase in pediatric medical patients. To assist in equipping local hospitals for children who need medical attention in the event of an emergency, Franklin County Commissioners authorized an agreement with the Central Ohio Trauma Systems (COTS) for the development of a pediatric medical surge plan, as well as training and exercise coordination under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant.
Following the recommendation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Commissioners allocated six hundred thousand dollars of Homeland Security funding to assist area hospitals which typically treat adults, receive pediatric medical equipment caches and continue to develop the existing medical surge plan that includes hospital training and exercise coordination.
“Franklin County has to be prepared for any disaster that might occur,” said Commission President Marilyn Brown. “Our talented team of medical professionals stands ready to handle any emergency but we must do our part to make sure they have the necessary tools to protect our youngest residents.”
“Effective emergency response requires advanced planning,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “Our hospitals and medical personnel must be part of our emergency planning efforts.”
COTS will also implement a complete patient-surge capacity response program that includes guiding a training plan for 25 regional hospitals in addition to scheduling and facilitating an initial meeting at eight pilot hospitals.
“Just this week in Asia and China we have seen what happens when disaster strikes and Franklin County has to be prepared,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Our children are our most important asset and we must be prepared to give them proper medical attention.”
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