Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow.com
The unit is just over 1,000 square feet of mobile medical space, complete with eight patient treatment bays and a surgical room.
In as little as three hours, the unit can be set up in an emergency situation and stores up to 72 hours of supplies.
Initially created for the 2010 winter games, the unit now tours the province providing medical assistance in disaster situations, providing clinics, and training opportunities.
Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow.com
Clinical Operations Director Peter Hennecke says while it has yet to happen, if an area was evacuated due to a wildfire they could be deployed to help out.
“We have an advisory committee that works with us throughout the province, each region, and we fill requests from emergency management f there was a need. For instance, if a facility evacuates and it increases surge to another facility, if they asked us, we could see if we’re available and go there if they needed us,” said Hennecke.
Currently the unit is funded in part by all regional health units in the province. The unit tours the province every year and was on the road for approximately 200 hours in 2014.
On Friday, the unit and their team will be providing a Cystic Fibrosis clinic for approximately 10 patients.
This is the unit’s second visit Kamloops.
