The COVID crisis in northern Idaho where hospitals are in a “crisis standards of care” situation has set off alarms here in Washington.
That means life-saving measures would go to those most likely to survive rather than those who are the most ill.
Washington State Hospital Association president Cassie Sauer says we’re not there yet, but hospitals continue to fill up.
“1,674 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state. That’s an increase of 7 percent from last week when we first reported the numbers to you,” says Sauer. “Even more shocking is there are now 251 patients on ventilators.”
And she says many of those on ventilators won’t make it.
“It turns into a cascade of organ failure and other very serious issues. So, some percent of that number is going to turn into people who die,” says Sauer. “And those who don’t are going to be very sick for a long time.”
The state Department of Health says they’re working to accommodate the surge with providers sharing resources and information.
They’re also prepared to move patients between facilities to ensure that they get care and avoid a crisis situation like Idaho is experiencing.
For a full interview on the situation in Idaho with CBS’ Allison Keyes, visit our podcast page.