In the wake of the next big storm, disease, or attack, we can be ready-by preparing now.
Experience has demonstrated that U.S. hospitals cannot absorb the thousands of victims of a disastrous event. Following the attacks on 11 September 2001, New York's premier level I trauma center was overwhelmed. Bellevue Hospital lost track of patients, ran out of supplies, and struggled with doctor staffing. New York University Downtown Hospital lost electricity, steam, gas, phone, and computer services, and had dangerously reduced water pressure.
