At Western Shelter, we understand the critical role that field hospitals play in providing immediate medical care during emergencies and disasters. Our dedication to creating the highest quality UN Role I, II, III and WHO (World Health Organization) field hospitals is rooted in our extensive experience in field medicine.
Over the years, we have built thousands of shelter systems that serve as mobile clinics, disaster medical hospitals, and comprehensive military field hospitals. This article explores the numerous benefits of field hospitals and why they are an essential component of emergency medical response.
The Design Advantage
Building a field hospital goes beyond assembling its basic components. It requires a deep understanding of hospital layout, patient flow, sterilization, and infection control practices. These elements are critical to ensuring that a field hospital performs as planned every time. At Western Shelter, our team of highly experienced designers, technicians, and manufacturers work together to create field hospital systems that are flexible, efficient, safe, and simple to use. We understand that lives depend on it.
Trusted by Demanding Customers
Our field hospitals have been battle-tested in some of the planet's toughest environments. Some of the world's most demanding customers use our field hospitals, including the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and international customers like Lithuania Armed Forces, Uganda Defense Force, Rwanda Defense Force, Barbados Defense Force, and Emergency Management Agencies across Central and South America. Every lesson we have learned along the way has continuously improved our field hospital systems.
Customization for Unique Needs
We understand that field medicine is not a "one size fits all" proposition. Our experienced design team can work with our customers to tailor a solution that meets a wide range of needs and operating conditions. Options include vehicle-based solutions, trailer-based systems, and soft/rigid hybrid systems.
Role I Field Hospitals
In the realm of field medicine, Role I Field Hospitals play a pivotal role. They are the first form of structured medical support found in the field, providing both primary health care, emergency treatment, and stabilization.
These facilities also perform sanitary and preventative dental hygiene treatments. While they have the capacity to ward approximately five patients a day, serious injuries typically get stabilized and transferred to a Role II hospital.
Staffing and Infrastructure
Role I Field Hospitals house a dedicated team of medical professionals, including two doctors and six to eight nurses or paramedics. In addition, there may be up to two support personnel.
The infrastructure of these hospitals is typically tent-based, providing flexibility and mobility. However, if available, containers or buildings can also be used.
Capabilities
The capabilities of Role I Field Hospitals extend beyond treating minor and common illnesses. These hospitals can provide basic wound care, advanced trauma, cardiac life support, and even basic (minor) surgery. This wide range of capabilities ensures that patients receive immediate and comprehensive care.
Role II Field Hospitals
Role II Field Hospitals represent a significant advancement in field medical support. They provide a higher level of care, including intensive care, larger wards, advanced life support, and surgery. These hospitals are equipped with basic dental facilities, radiology facilities, and laboratory units, ensuring a comprehensive range of medical services for patients in the field.
Staffing and Infrastructure
The staffing of a Role II Field Hospital includes a team of 5-6 doctors, including surgeons, an internist, and an anesthetist. There is also a dentist and a hygiene specialist on staff.
The medical team consists of 12-16 nurses or paramedics, 4-6 paramedical staff, and 6-10 support personnel, including ambulance drivers. This robust staffing ensures that patients receive the best possible care.
The infrastructure of a Role II Field Hospital is typically a combination of tents and containers. It includes an outpatient clinic, triage, several wards including isolation and ICU units, an operating room with pre-op and post-op areas, a dental clinic, laboratory and radiology units, and hospital support and administration.
This comprehensive infrastructure allows for a wide range of medical services to be provided on-site. They also provide everything needed for workers (sleeping quarters, Hygiene, Dining Room, Laundry, etc.)
Capabilities
Role II Field Hospitals can handle a variety of medical conditions and infectious diseases. They have the capability to perform life-saving surgery under general anesthesia and provide limited ICU services. Basic dental services are also available, along with field laboratory and radiology services. The hospital also includes a pharmacy and implements hygiene control and preventative medicine measures.
In conclusion, Role II Field Hospitals are a critical component of field medicine. They provide advanced medical support in the field, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive care they need as quickly as possible.
Role III Field Hospitals
Role III Field Hospitals are the epitome of advanced field medical support, equivalent to a multidisciplinary general hospital. These facilities can provide comprehensive medical care for a population of up to 5,000, with the capability to conduct up to 10 surgical procedures a day.
Staffing and Infrastructure
The staffing of a Role III Field Hospital is extensive, including 15-20 doctors, such as surgeons, internists, and anesthetists. Additionally, there are two dentists and a hygiene officer on staff. The medical team also consists of 40-50 nurses or paramedics, 8-10 paramedical staff, and 14-20 support staff. This robust staffing ensures that patients receive the best possible care.
The infrastructure of a Role III Field Hospital is typically a combination of containers and tents. It includes 3-4 consultation rooms, a triage and resuscitation facility, two wards with ICU and isolation capabilities, a surgical suite with multiple operating tables, a dental clinic with surgical dental capabilities, laboratory and radiology facilities, a pharmacy, and administration and hospital support facilities. This comprehensive infrastructure allows for a wide range of medical services to be provided on-site.
Capabilities
Role III Field Hospitals handle a variety of medical conditions and infectious diseases. They have the capability to perform emergency and elective surgical procedures, provide ICU services, laboratory and investigative radiology services, full pharmaceutical support, and specialist dental care, including dental surgery.
Making A Difference
At Western Shelter, we understand that every situation is unique, and so are the medical needs that arise from it. That's why our field hospitals offer customizable options to meet your specific needs and requirements. From the initial assessment and triage to life-saving interventions, our Field Hospitals provide everything you need to deliver the best possible care in any situation.
Advanced Engineering and High-Quality Materials
Our field hospitals contain advanced engineering and high-quality materials. This ensures they can provide a complete range of medical services to admit and treat patients with acute or chronic conditions. Whether it's for close monitoring or intensive care, our field hospitals can handle it all.
Field Hospital Services: Comprehensive Care Where It Matters Most
Experience efficient assessment and treatment for non-emergency cases in the heart of the field. Our field hospital services bring comprehensive and personalized care directly to you, no matter the situation. From diverse medical cases to designated spaces for patient recovery, you'll be ready for anything in any environment.
Surgical Excellence in Challenging Environments: Your Trusted Field Hospital
In the midst of challenging environments, our field hospital brings surgical excellence to the forefront. Step into a sterile environment meticulously designed for your safety. Emergency preparedness is our cornerstone, and patient monitoring is constant. Experience an efficient workflow, unmatched organization, and adaptability to ensure the success of your procedure.
Pharmacy Solutions for Mobile Medical Needs: Your Reliable Field Companion
Wherever the field takes you, our mobile pharmacy solutions are your reliable companion. Offering efficient assessment and personalized care for non-emergency situations, we bring the pharmacy to you. From diverse medical needs to designated spaces for recovery, our field pharmacy is here to cater to every aspect of your patients' well-being.
Comprehensive Support Services for Field Operations: Your Partner in Preparedness
In the field, comprehensive support is essential, and that's where we excel. Our support services establish a hub of readiness tailored to field operations. With a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facility, and supply storage, we cater to your daily requirements. From maintenance to communication setup, we've got you covered.
Western Shelter in Action
In 2020, as the rise of COVID-19 continued to create a shortage of traditional hospital beds throughout Chicago, Western Shelter was contacted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide a reliable solution. Within days, our highly motivated team developed an isolation system to care for patients and safely protect medical staff.
We fully outfitted the McCormick Place Convention Center with 750 isolation units to help alleviate additional stress that wreaked havoc on local healthcare facilities so that providers could focus on treating those experiencing low-to-moderate symptoms.
The transformation of this 1.5 million square foot space quickly turned into an alternative care facility in a matter of weeks. With room for 150 medical personnel able to train onsite, along with proper space and access for 43 nursing stations and a pharmacy, this area played a critically key role in answering the call for swift and immediate humanitarian action.
Each isolation system was outfitted with its own negative pressure capability, which includes emergency power, and medical gas systems, while also operating a HEPA filtration system to combat air pollutants. These rooms contain exam and patient lighting, oxygen, and a medical vacuum system. The isolation systems' strategic positioning around various nursing stations configured in a U-shape creates the convenience of quickly treating up to 3,000 patients who have already been separated based on the required level of care.
As a preferred choice and trusted advisor for the disaster and medical response communities and maintaining a decades-long relationship with the Army Corp of Engineers, Western Shelter was honored to rise to the occasion in an important and complex emergency response effort.
It is essential to have a sanitary, safe, and secure medical clinic available while responding to any disaster. For over three decades, we continue to offer a full range of shelter systems, including a full suite of products to create effective medical clinics.
the Right Field Hospital For You
Choosing the right field hospital is a critical decision that can significantly impact the effectiveness of your medical response in the field. Whether it's a Role I, II, or III Field Hospital, each offers unique capabilities and advantages tailored to different needs and situations.
Role I Field Hospitals provide primary health care and emergency treatment, making them ideal for situations requiring immediate, basic medical support. Role II Field Hospitals offer more advanced medical support, including intensive care, larger wards, and advanced life support. They are well-suited for situations requiring a higher level of care. Role III Field Hospitals, equivalent to a multidisciplinary general hospital, provide comprehensive medical care for larger populations and are capable of conducting multiple surgical procedures a day.
In making your decision, consider the specific medical needs of your operation, the available resources, and the environment in which the hospital will be deployed. Remember, the goal is to provide the best possible care for patients in the field, and the right field hospital can make all the difference.
Contact Us
At Western Shelter, we are committed to providing high-quality, customizable field hospital solutions. Our experienced team is ready to work with you to identify the best field hospital for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our field hospital options and how we can support your mission and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on Western Shelter news.
Remember, in field medicine, every decision counts, and choosing the right field hospital is no exception. Make your choice count.
