1830 CDT Sunday 08.31.2008 Dallas Gustav Update  From Frank Webster MD

 Hello all,

           As of 1830 today, we have about 500 evacuees at the Convention Center.  They are housed in the parking level that is below the Main Convention Center Floor on the “A-B-C” side of the Convention Center.

          Adapt Crisis services, Transicare, and ValueOptions are on the floor.

          The Medical staff has seen about 30-50 patients.

          We have seen about 6 in mental health, and 3 have seen the psychiatrist (Dr. Jenkins is here).

          It is not clear if there will be any more busses headed here tonight.  What is clear is that the convention center will only treatment place, and that those needing treatment will be transported back and forth as needed.

          Things are calm at the moment.  We may or may not have a significant influx in the next 24 hours.  We are currently planning to have 24/7 coverage on site with Adapt Crisis Services and Transicare.  Psychiatric coverage is currently scheduled until 2200 tonight, and from 0800-2200 tomorrow.  Agnes Hamilton is (desperately) seeking additional coverage.  I will be providing after hours coverage as needed, but I would appreciate some rotation in coverage for this 2200-0800 shift if there are any volunteers for phone backup.

          We have a short form for evaluations that are being used.  Also, please log any hours that you spend here providing care (there is a form I will send out later).

          A brief comment on the situation here.  Please understand that as a health care professional providing medical care in a crisis situation like this,  you will be seen to be in a leadership role irrespective of whether you think of yourself in this role or not.  This is very much a group effort.  It will be disorganized in certain aspects, and it can easily be frustrating (I would say, I am quite impressed with how organized and calm it is at the current time).  As a leader, it is very important that you remain calm, collected, and not allow the stress of the situation to get the better of you.  Many of the people here are having to be evacuated for the 2nd time in 3 years, and they will be observing you and your reactions, and they will take cues from you.  One of the most important things that you can do for them clinically is to convey a sense of calm.  Feel free to ventilate to me or after you leave.  Please do not attempt to instruct others on how best to do their jobs, (unless asked for the consult of course :)  I am sure that you will all do very well here, but being the rather obsessive individual that I am, I felt compelled to state this before the action starts in earnest.