In anticipation of Hurricane Michael, SOC Telemed (SOC) is reinforcing the importance of health systems having tried and tested preparedness and response procedures to ensure proper coverage at times of crises. To assist its partners in such situations, SOC, an acute care telemedicine solutions provider for U.S. hospitals and health systems, has created RACER (Remote Acute Care Emergency Response)—an emergency response effort at the ready with acute care services when they’re needed most.
As evidenced by Florence, healthcare systems impacted by the hurricane’s destructive force and floods not only suffered damage but also faced lingering disruptions in essential services. A hospital in Jacksonville, N.C., is one such facility hit hard by this most recent hurricane. Flooding was so severe that hospitalists were unable to get to the hospital, while the numbers of patients more than doubled the day immediately after impact.
With its RACER protocol, SOC enabled the hospital to provide patients with expedited remote acute care during the response and immediate recovery phase—a time when a marked rise in injuries and illnesses from storms and floods, exacerbated chronic conditions, and acute mental health symptoms are commonly experienced.
