The state is sending help to southwest Missouri as the area struggles to manage a surge of COVID-19 cases.
Governor Mike Parson announced Thursday in a news release the state is sending additional personnel and equipment to help support the local healthcare system.
Ambulance strike teams are expected to arrive in the Springfield area today to assist local hospitals. The teams consist of 10 advanced life support ambulances, 20 medical personnel, two strike team leaders and one logistics specialist. They’ll support transports of COVID-19 patients.
The Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team is providing equipment and personnel and working with Jordan Valley Community Health Center and other local healthcare facilities to support a Monoclonal Antibody Centralized Infusion Center. It’s expected to begin receiving patients today.
A request by Greene County to SEMA for a stand-alone alternate care site is still being considered. According to the governor’s office, a hotel in Springfield has been identified that would be converted into a medical facility to provide acute care or as a step-down unit for COVID-19 patients. Parson’s office said SEMA has “escalated the request to FEMA.”
