Local officials and leaders from MediSys Health Network came together to honor the return of the MediSys Disaster Response Team from their relief efforts in Asheville, North Carolina. The team consisted of doctors and nurses from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) and Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC). They provided medical services to Hurricane Helene survivors in shelters and mobile medical units for two weeks before returning on October 25th.
Mark Marino, the assistant vice president of emergency management and prehospital care for MediSys, commended the team for their quick deployment to North Carolina. He highlighted the personal sacrifices made by the team members and the impact they had on the lives of those in Asheville. Bruce Flanz, CEO of JHMC, emphasized the strong partnership that has developed between MediSys and the International Medical Corps (IMC) since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the Disaster Medical Response Relief Team shared their experiences of providing medical assistance to displaced families in Asheville. Jatinder Chopra, a physician assistant at JHMC, recounted administering medication, treating respiratory issues, and providing wound care to the injured. Lisa Fraumeni-Pickel, Assistant Director of Nursing at JHMC, mentioned the team’s efforts in setting the standard for providing thorough care at the shelters.
The team worked tirelessly, often putting in 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week, with only one day off. Despite the challenging circumstances, they found solace in debriefing as a team at their accommodations. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards expressed his gratitude to the team for their heroic efforts and sacrifices, acknowledging them as heroes in the eyes of the borough.
The article also highlighted the long history of the MediSys Disaster Medical Response Relief Team, which dates back to 1992 with Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Florida. Over the years, the team has responded to various catastrophic events across the country, including Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and more recently, the earthquake in Puerto Rico in 2020.
The ceremony honoring the team’s return served as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers in times of crisis. It showcased the importance of collaboration between healthcare organizations and government agencies to provide support and assistance to those in need. As the team members continue to reflect on their experiences in Asheville, their efforts are a testament to the resilience and compassion of frontline workers in the face of adversity.
