Closed doctors’ offices. Crowded emergency rooms. Chronically ill patients who have nowhere to go.
People with a range of health problems are finding difficulties getting medical care in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley.
Waiting times are up at emergency rooms, which are being slammed by minor to serious storm-related injuries and less-urgent patients who simply can’t get to their regular doctors.
Some Alzheimer’s patients, stroke victims and others who don’t require hospital care are seeking beds nonetheless, unable to cope without the home-health nurses who aren’t making rounds.
“These people don’t need acute hospital care, but they’re not appropriate for our shelter,” said Pam Stenike of Orange County health and family services.
Smaller hospitals were pushing capacity Monday, including Volusia County’s Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, where 136 of its 139 beds were taken. Officials said some patients have to stay on longer because they can’t be sent to nursing homes that are without power.
People with lung disease who have lost power are struggling because they rely on electricity to use the tanks of oxygen that keep them breathing. Some models can work without power, but only last for several hours.
Pete Schwob, 45, has been on continuous oxygen for several months as he awaits a lung transplant.
The Seminole County man’s lungs started failing when he was 9. At this point, he can’t go long without electricity.
When the hurricane took out his power Friday night, Schwob spent Saturday at one neighbor’s house, then Sunday at another. Not wanting to impose too long, he was grateful to get his electricity back on Monday.
He got through his brief nomadic experience with humor and other peoples’ hospitality, though Schwob worries about those who are more fragile.
“There are a lot of people in worse shape than me, and you’ve got to wonder” how they’re holding up, said Schwob, 45. “It can be very traumatic.”
Officials at Orlando Regional Medical Center treated more than 270 patients a day during the weekend–about 70 more than usual. Most storm-related injuries were cuts and bruises from falls off ladders and equipment accidents as people tried to clean up. Officials urged caution with chainsaws and other dangerous tools.
“This is not the time to learn how to use these things,” said Daytona Beach Fire Lt. John King. “Leave it to the professionals.”
State officials warned that dangers abound: People should avoid downed power lines, floodwaters and outdoor water that may be contaminated by sewage; they should boil water as a precaution, but drink plenty of it to ward off dehydration and heat stroke.
Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning continue to show up in emergency rooms. The odorless gas is created by burning fuels, and people run into trouble when they use gasoline-powered generators in poorly ventilated places. The devices should not be placed near areas where air enters the residence, either.
Amber and James Moulton of Daytona Beach were treated for symptoms Monday after carbon monoxide levels built up inside their apartment because a generator was too close to their air conditioner, which was sucking the gas inside.
“I was disoriented, vomiting,” said Amber Moulton, 24. “I had a headache and ringing in my ears for four hours. It was terrible.”
With all the extra stresses, people may be feeling a little anxious, said Rob Herzog, a licensed mental health counselor for Florida Hospital. He said people need to recognize that life isn’t going to return to normal immediately.
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“This is larger than that,” Herzog said. “This is weeks, this is months, we need to accept that it’s a process, and it will take time.
“We are a very driven culture, we want to get everything done immediately, but it’s not always possible.”