OCH Regional Medical Center Treats 35 Patients and Counting after Severe Weather

STARKVILLE, Miss. (Press Release) — As of Tuesday afternoon, 35 patients have been treated at OCH Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries from Monday’s severe weather, including abdominal, pelvic and thoracic trauma, lacerations, abrasions, head injuries and broken bones. According to OCH Emergency Room Supervisor, Eddie Coats, RN, patients with storm related injuries are still arriving at the ER seeking care.

OCH activated its incident command center at 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon to respond to the tornado activity surrounding Oktibbeha County. In a debriefing Tuesday morning, OCH Administrator and CEO Richard Hilton commended his employees for a job well done.

“Everyone whose morning started at 7 o’clock and ended well into the night or early morning, my hat goes off to you. I appreciate you for doing what you do best, taking care of people in dire need,” Hilton told employees.

OCH dispatched two ambulances to Louisville Monday night and also delivered bandages and supplies for wound care and closure. Additional nurses, physicians and support staff were called in to assist with the influx of patients.

“There was incredible team effort, not only with OCH employees, but also with other organizations in Jackson and Meridian who helped take care of the storm victims,” said OCH Assistant ER Supervisor Lynn Gregg, RN.

Incident Commander and OCH Disaster Preparedness Officer Wes Andrews, CHEP, said the devastating conditions on Monday is why OCH consistently performs disaster safety drills. “We were prepared to handle the worst-case scenario. We put our plan into action and were able to meet the needs of the community,” Andrews said.

Some OCH employees and family members were victims of the storm, and now the Medical Center is pulling together to collect items for those impacted.

“I’ve seen the devastation last night first hand. It’s devastating to see your neighbor’s home destroyed and know people who have not been found,” said OCH CNO Martha Fulcher, DNP, MSN, RNC. “I’m so proud of our nurses and all of our staff for coming together as a team and going the extra mile to provide excellent care to those who needed it.”

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