As part of the Oregon National Guard Vigilant Guard drill, Salem Hospital will receive, treat and track 100 mock patients who have life-threatening injuries, categorized as red, and patients with non-life-threatening but significant injuries, categorized as yellow. The hospital will test its “mega casualty” model in which healthcare providers quickly assess casualties coming through the emergency department and move them to the appropriate treatment areas. Salem Hospital will use data from the drill to identify the strengths and weaknesses of its intensive care unit, operating room and other departments in emergency situations.
West Valley Hospital will set up a triage tent to receive, treat and track 20 mock patients with minor injuries, categorized as green. The hospital will decide whether patients should be treated in the tent or the hospital.
If the hospitals have large volumes of real patients, they will cancel the drills, according to the release.
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