McKinney hospital activates weather emergency mode ahead of winter storm

Life-saving emergency services must remain open and running despite inclement weather.

Medical City McKinney has implemented its inclement weather plan, ensuring their doors remain open and running smoothly, especially because winter storms lead to an uptick in weather-related emergencies.

“No matter rain or shine or snow, we want to make sure that we show up for our patients and our staff, regardless of what's going on outside, said Sam Johnsen, Chief Operating Officer of Medical City McKinney.

"Our facilities management team works very hard to salt the grounds. They work hard to make sure that all of our facility-related infrastructure is working properly, making sure that we have all the diesel fuel that we need, making sure that the building is going to maintain proper functioning."

Hospital leaders have been working to implement safety procedures to ensure the Level II Trauma Center remains safe and accessible and that staffing needs are met over the weekend.

Emergency Room Physician Dr. Austin Vaughan anticipates an uptick in falls and injuries from exposure.

“In this weather,  big things we'll see is slip and falls,” said Vaughan. “Elderly patients, a lot of this will be hip fractures that we'll see, commonly in head injuries, especially with ice and snow on the ground. The other big thing we'll see is cold exposure, especially with those who are homeless or on domiciled.”

Power outages also cause an increase in exposure injuries, especially among elderly people, he added.

The hospital’s severe weather mode not only means extra shifts have to be picked up, but backup plans are necessary in case travel is impacted.

“It says a lot about these people that are willing to stay and forego their own families at home or their own safety and make it in here to care for others,” said Vaughan.

Hoping to keep medical staff well rested, the hospital set up 65 cots for those staying overnight.

"Just as important as these caregivers are those behind the scenes taking care of staff," said Johnsen.

Medical City McKinney’s executive chef, Ryan Schumann, and his team are volunteering to prepare meals for medical staff working over the weekend.

“It's always about hospitality,” said Schumann.

Schumann spent part of Thursday preparing sandwiches for lunch. His team will also be whipping up breakfast sandwiches and homemade lasagna dinners.

“It's a good feeling to be able to take care of the people who are taking care of people while we're also taking care of people,” said Schumann. “For the patients, we're very methodical because of special diets and all such. This is just comfort food for our staff, something that's going to make them feel like they're going to enjoy it.”

Doctors are urging the public to heed warnings and stay safe, even at home.

Dr. Vaughan advises the public to avoid unnecessary trips, even to the mailbox, where falls can easily happen.

"It is also important for people with underlying health conditions to seek medical help when needed instead of ‘riding out the storm’ because it could worsen their situation," he said.