Scripps Medical Response Team Sets Up Mobile Clinic in RB

Scripps Health has deployed the Scripps Medical Response Team and Mobile Medical Unit to Rancho Bernardo to provide basic medical services to firefighters and returning residents evacuated by the San Diego firestorm.

The volunteer Scripps team of physicians and nurses will work under the auspices of the San Diego Fire Department at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 West Bernardo Drive, near the fire department’s base camp. Scripps joins other service providers such as FEMA and the American Red Cross as part of a city-sponsored Local Assistance Center for fire victims.

The medical team will provide first aid and basic medical services such as treatment of minor cuts, assess respiratory problems, provide over-the-counter medication and write prescriptions. Patients presenting with more serious medical issues will be referred to nearby emergency rooms.

In addition, services will be offered by mental health professionals from the Scripps Employee Assistance Program staff to address stress and grief issues.

The Scripps Mobile Medical Unit and two medical treatment tents will be stationed in Rancho Bernardo for approximately one week, providing free medical services between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Scripps Mobile Medical Unit is a 40-foot motor coach with two examination rooms, a nurse’s station, and capability to serve as a back-up triage and communications unit for Scripps Health during community disasters. The Mobile Medical Unit is used primarily for community health screenings and education.

In the aftermath of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Scripps Health established an office of disaster preparedness, which deploys the Scripps Medical Response Team in times of medical emergency.

In 2005, 60 Scripps Medical Response Team members spent three weeks in Houston providing medical services to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, treating approximately 5,000 patients. Scripps’ support marked the first time the federal government asked a private health care organization for long-term support for a nationally organized disaster relief plan.Scripps Health actively supports disaster preparedness efforts on the city, county, state and federal levels.