[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TEXAS' PORTABLE HOSPITALS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, over the past several years, 
Southeast Texas has been the target during Hurricane Season. Hurricane 
Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit in 2006 and the very recent Hurricane 
Ike in September 2008. Not to mention Hurricane Gustav, which did not 
cause a disaster in Texas, many believe it was just a trial run before 
Hurricane Ike. Hurricane Ike came along two weeks later on September 
13, 2008.
  These hurricanes have taught emergency management officials to be 
prepared in time of a disaster. Through their preparedness they are 
able to assist and help other individuals evacuate the city in a timely 
manner. The most recent development is the Portable Inflatable Hospital 
presented by the East Texas Gulf Coast Regional Trauma Advisory. With 
the help of the emergency management officials, numerous area hospitals 
and others, this incredible development was established. State and 
federal Grants help fund the hospital that cost around 1.5 million. 
This portable hospital is a great way for medical personnel to assist 
patients during a disaster and for the patients to get the quick 
response medical help they need. The medical assistance can range from 
distributing medications to on site emergency care. The facility can 
operate as one or three separate facilities. It is equipped with beds, 
living areas, and other units. This project has had a great response 
from individuals willing to donate, but still needs any help it can get 
from our local Southeast Texans. The medical personnel and emergency 
officials are very grateful for this newly facility. It will be located 
in Southeast Texas, but can be set up across the state. The hospital 
will cost five thousand dollars to operate daily plus an additional 
twelve thousand dollars to generate the portable hospital.
  Emergency preparedness is very crucial in time of a disaster. With 
our great response teams in Southeast Texas the portable hospital will 
be ready in time of need. I would like to thank the individuals who 
spend endless hours preparing for Hurricane Season.

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