RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--As the only designated Level 1 trauma facility in Central Virginia, VCU Medical Center says it is prepared to handle a disaster similar to the Boston Marathon tragedy on Monday.
Dr. Harinda Dhindsa, co-chair of the emergency department at VCU Medical Center, says September 11th changed the level of preparedness for emergency responders across the state. He says hospitals have policies and procedures in place in order to accommodate an influx of patients at one time.
Dhindsa says a majority of victims would come to VCU if a natural or man-made disaster were to occur in Central Virginia, based on the hospital’s designation.
VCU has 70 beds in the emergency department and more than 100 physicians on stand-by to assist in a triage situation.
If VCU was unable to accommodate all the victims, three other area hospitals are designated trauma facilities that can help facilitate treatment.
Hear Dhindsa’s reaction to today’s tragedy in Boston….
