National Guard aids Erlanger hospital

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – The National Guard arrived Today to aid Erlanger With COVID Overflow.

Senior Director of Emergency Management Robbie Tester said the National Guard has already been extremely helpful.

Even though they are not nurses and doctors the National guard members have immediately starting helping with non-clinical needs such as getting fresh PPE to those in the COVID unit and cleaning rooms.

He says what’s most concerning about the large number of hospital patients is it’s largely preventable.

“Our hospitals are overrun, our ICUs are full, our clinical team is stretched very, very thin emotionally and physically. For something that really is preventable. We’re telling folks the biggest thing to help our community is prevention. Wear a mask, social distancing, and get vaccinated,” said Tester.

He said the National Guard is aiding hospitals around the country during this surge of COVID patients.