Selecting Storage and Furniture for Field Hospitals

When a medical crisis strikes, field hospitals may pop up to deal with growing numbers of patients. To help those tasked with planning, organizing, and setting up these makeshift spaces, here are four quick tips to consider when choosing storage and furniture for patients and staff.

Easy assembly. Emergency situations require personnel to move quickly to set up care stations and organize needed supplies. From storage units to patient beds, assembly needs to be fast and simple and require few or no tools to put together.

Sturdy construction. Look for durable materials such as heavy-duty steel and all-steel construction to ensure items like shelves and beds will stand up to the weight of your supplies and equipment and to heavy use.

Mobility. Wheeled computer stations and store and charge carts can help keep digital devices like laptops, tablets, and cellphones secure, charged, and at the ready wherever they’re needed.

Security. The open nature of field hospitals and other impromptu facilities makes it challenging to keep sensitive items secure and organized. Look for locking options on storage products that can provide at least a basic level of security and control over who has access to the unit. Also, think about how the unit locks and what type of lock—hasp, key, digital—will work best for your staff to be able to gain quick access when it’s needed.

Durable finish for easy wipedown. Keeping surfaces clean and sanitized is a critical component in containing the spread of diseases. Make sure the storage products, beds, and any other items you’re using to deliver care are capable of sustaining frequent daily wipedowns and that the finish will stand up to disinfectants and other cleaning chemicals.