EMS Crews Receive Lebanon Evacuees at BWI Airport
When the United States made the decision to evacuate Americans stranded in Lebanon, Maryland was ready and stepped up to the plate.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director John Droneburg said when Gov. Robert Ehrlich received the call asking if the state could be the reception center for the evacuees, things quickly fell into place.
Once the plan at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) was initiated, it didn't take long before officials were ready to greet the first passengers, Droneburg said.
"BWI has been the hub for returning military so they're used to getting ready rather quickly... We told the governor we would be ready in about two days, and we were," he said.
Some children on the first flights wound up sitting on the laps of adults. There were no serious injuries. However, a five-year-old girl had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment of dehydration, said BWI Fire Chief Gary Warren.
More than 3,000 evacuees have arrived, and the flights may continue through next week.
Once a plane lands, an EMS officer and a representative of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) board to determine if anyone is sick or injured. They've encountered people with issues because they haven't had their medication; air sickness; and general weakness due to dehydration.
Some pilots have given the EMS crews a heads-up about people with medical issues. But, the majority don't, the chief said, adding that the triage area stands ready. National Guard troops stand by with wheelchairs, and transport units line the tarmac.
"People don't want to be transported. They don't want to miss their connecting flights," Warren said, adding that crews have started IV fluids to hydrate a person before they continue their journey home.
Warren said people who don't mind being transported include those whose immigration status is questionable. "It's been interesting. Once they find out everything is in order, then they don't want to go to the hospital."
An EMS lieutenant and other medical personnel also monitor the people as they go through the processing area. "We're keeping an eye on them for any signs..."
The command center will continue until all evacuee flights have landed, and Warren said he doesn't know when that will be. "We have daily meetings with everyone involved, and make adjustments as needed."
The chief said things are working well because it's a team effort, and everyone knows their responsibilities. "Everyone's done an exceptional job."
