Mobile Hospitals Support California’s Emergency Plans
As part of an $18 million contract, the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority (CAL EMSA) recently ordered three, 200-bed Mobile Field Hospitals (MFHs) and all required support systems. The MFHs will provide supplemental medical facilities and equipment in the event of a natural disaster, avian flu outbreak, or other mass casualty incident. Under the contract, BLU-MED Response Systems, a Div. of Alaska Structures, Inc., based in Kirkland, WA, will build and store the hospitals. In turn, within 72 hours of notification, the company will deploy and set up the mobile hospitals at any location designated by CAL EMSA. Each 23,000-sq.-ft. hospital will include emergency and triage facilities, an operating room, two Intensive Care Units with a total of 20 beds, and 180 ward beds. Companion medical equipment and support services will also be provided. In addition, each MFH will include a 6,500-sq.-ft. complex to house medical staff. BLU-MED Response Systems, a Div. of Alaska Structures, Inc., Kirkland, WA