Crews test putting up portable hospitals

In a collaborative effort, representatives from the Mountain Home Fire Department, and Elmore County Medical Center began their second training session for the portable hospitals that were purchased earlier this year.

The hospitals will serve as a secondary facility to treat parents during a emergency situation.

Previously the tents were tested near the Elmore County Jail. Like the last training session back in January, the training served two purposes--to ensure the tents are functional once erected and for emergency personnel to be properly trained on the construction.

Unlike the previous training session, the volunteer crews worked to construct both pieces of the emergency hospitals.

"I think that this is a good example of the commitment these volunteers show to protect our community," said community relations coordinator Doreen Krabbenhoft.

"It's really great to see all these emergency responders work together," added Keri Meis, CCH coordinator and grant writer.

The hospital was one of three portable hospitals purchased from a $450,000 grant made possible by the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, an office of Health and Human Services out of Washington, D.C.

The portable hospitals are made up of two sections, a 40'x20' main section that could hold a maximum of 25 beds and a 30'x20' vestibule that could be used to connect the portable hospital together.

The other two portable hospitals purchased by the grant are owned by the Ada County Paramedics and Donnelly Fire/EMS in Valley County.

The tent was on display during the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games held last February.

"What I hope is that these hospitals will provide us with the opportunity to treat even more patients during an emergency situation," said Krabbenhoft.