Healthcare providers who serve the community of Pahoa, Hawaii, rallied together last week to support the rural town as burning lava threatened to destroy local homes and businesses.
Pahoa-based Puna Community Medical Center and the Bay Clinic both vowed to stay with residents and prepared mobile units that could be operated away from the lava's path. They received backup from Hilo (Hawaii) Medical Center, the Big Island's largest hospital with 164 beds, about 21 miles away.
Hilo provided the medical equipment to outfit Puna's satellite clinic, which was set up across from Pahoa High School, according to the hospital's website. A day before the lava was expected to reach the first home, a Puna board member arrived at Hilo Medical Center to assess the equipment, which consisted of an examination table, an IV pole, a vital signs machine, a scale and a surgical light and surgical instrument table.
