Hospitals stock up on medical supplies and make sure staffing is available

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Connecticut Hospitals are gearing up for the potential blizzard heading our way. After weathering Irene and Sandy, administrators and staff in hospitals are well seasoned for what could be one of the worst snowstorms in recent years.

Forecasters issuing a blizzard warning for the entire state has hospitals like Bridgeport Hospital taking the necessary steps.

"We have to make sure that we're providing safe patient care," said Jackie Laird, Nurse Manager.

Emergency management teams began meeting earlier in the week, mobilizing staff and stocking up on medical supplies.

"We've already got e-mails and communications going on you know, getting to work early, giving yourself plenty of time to travel and if we need to get some employees here, we need to provide rides," said Laird.

In the Emergency Department they are bracing for the next 72 hours.
   
"If you're generally over 50 years old, please don't shovel that much at one time," said Emergency Physician Dr. Bryan Jordan.

Dr. Jordan explains why.

"Heart attacks happen more frequently during snowstorms because it is not an aerobic exercise, it is an anerobic exercise and there's a strain on the heart," said Dr. Jordan.
  
There's also this advice.

"Please have a fully charged cell phone to be able to call someone if there is a problem either 911 or someone, a relative," said Dr. Jordan.

In the meantime the command center at the hospital has not yet been activated.

"We handle emergencies every day at hospitals," said John Cappiello, Bridgeport Hospital.

They stand ready for what forecasters are saying is coming our way.

"In many ways you respond the same way. You want to have the staffing available, you want to have the necessary eequipment, the supplies and I think we've taken all the steps we need to take," said Cappiello.