Dispatch Uses Satellite Phone
By: Sarah Lovett
Updated: February 6, 2009
As the ice melts, emergency responders are looking back on their performance during last weeks winter storm disaster. Owensboro and Daviess county responders say theyre proud of their hard work.
Emergency responders describe it as controlled chaos, and one tool that helped them maintain their ingenuity was a satellite phone proveded by the Department of Homeland Security. This technology was especially pivotal for dealing with medical emergencies.
Owensboro Medical Health System used their radios to call dispatch who could then call regional hospitals like University of Louisville, St. Marys and Kosair. The hospital was more than prepared for the storm having specific protocal, generators and a willing staff, but after a debriefing, theyve decided to make some changes. Theyll be getting more two way radios and a satellite phone for their ER.
The hospital also served as lodging for medical staff for several days.
OMHSs Healthpark was a Red Cross shelter and it provided room for out of town utility crews.
