Emory Hospital receives hantavirus patients
WSB-TV • • health
Key Points:
- Grady EMS biosafety transport team in Atlanta successfully transported two hantavirus-exposed patients from a cruise ship to Emory University Hospital, relying on years of specialized training for handling deadly contagious diseases.
- The team, led by District Manager Armond Acree, mobilizes quickly and operates ambulances inconspicuously without lights or sirens to maintain discretion during high-profile cases.
- Paramedic Robert Underwood emphasized the importance of teamwork and safety protocols, including creating special patient care areas in standard ambulances and having contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted transport.
- The Grady EMS team has prior experience with infectious disease transports, including Ebola patients 12 years ago, highlighting their expertise in managing such critical medical situations.
- Their primary objective is to ensure patient care while protecting public safety, with the team expressing pride in their specialized and demanding role.