Washington, D.C.-area hospitals are prepared to handle higher than usual patient volumes that may occur during this weekend's inauguration events, reports the Washington Business Journal.
Many hospitals anticipate a longer, larger inauguration event in part due to President-elect Donald Trump's mixed popularity, but also because the event falls on a Friday. Officials expect between 800,000 to 1 million people to attend the inauguration, and at least 26 protest groups have sought or obtained permits to protest at the event — about four times more than in past inaugurations.
While local hospitals are prepared for worst-case, mass-casualty scenarios, most expect minor injuries, like ankle sprains, and more routine emergencies, like heart attacks and strokes, since inaugurations tend to draw an older crowd, according to Craig DeAtley, director of the Institute for Public Health Emergency Readiness at MedStar Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center.
MedStar Washington has stocked up on additional medications, linens and other medical supplies in case road closures complicate supply deliveries to the hospital, according to the report. Hospitals are also prepared to use decontamination measures if police officers use tear gas to control protests or riots.
"This year is a bit different than other inaugurations, althought it's always been a consideration," Mr. DeAtley told the Washington Business Journal.
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