ER treating islanders injured in repair work

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ER treating islanders injured in repair work

Galveston County Daily News - Galveston,TX*

By Bronwyn

Correspondent

Published September 23, 2008

http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e08a405e84f057c4

GALVESTON — Chainsaw injuries, respiratory problems and all manner

of cuts and puncture wounds are among the hurricane recovery

injuries rushing into University of Texas Medical Branch's temporary

emergency room.

The facility, manned by a federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team,

has power, but no air-conditioning and limited capacity. Staff

members see as many as 120 patients a day, sending those requiring

hospitalization to off-island facilities.

" Galveston is really a very dangerous place right now, " said Dr.

Weisman, deputy commander for the Florida-5 DMAT team at

UTMB Galveston. " People have to be very careful and recognize

they're coming into a dangerous environment, but they're also coming

into a place where the medical infrastructure is just not on its

feet yet. "

Weisman, speaking by phone from the emergency room area, had a list

of home-improvement nightmares seen in the past week.

" We're seeing injuries coming from people attempting to clean up

their properties, from chainsaw injuries to stepping on glass and

nails, to being cut from aluminum sheeting from the sides of

buildings, " he said.

He also warned of injuries related to carbon monoxide poisoning from

generator use, and even the increased risk of snakebites.

Respiratory problems are increasing, along with the growth of mold

and continued lack of air-conditioning.

Skin infections are prevalent because cuts are difficult to keep

clean, especially if they haven't been appropriately washed.

" We're seeing quite a few skin infections, some quite severe, from

cuts, " said Weisman, who was also part of a DMAT team of responders

for Hurricane Rita.

So the veteran pharmacist has this prescription:

• Wear good protective shoes on your feet, " not flip-flops or

sandals, but good work boots. " Glass and nails have been penetrating

lightweight footwear.

• Bring sun block, adequate food and water, a first-aid kit and an

ample supply of any prescription medicine.

• Consider waiting.

• Those with chronic health conditions should be wary and be

prepared.

" People with significant underlying diseases like hypertension,

renal disease, heart disease or diabetes should make sure they're

going to be OK here with limited resources, " he said.