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AUGUSTA, Georgia – A doctor who helps run a major hospital system in eastern Georgia has said its intensive care units and emergency rooms are in crisis.
Mark Winne of Channel 2 spoke to Dr. Phillip L. Coule, VIP and Chief Medical Officer of Augusta University Health System. He said the attack on COVID-19 patients put people’s lives at risk.
[RELATED: Georgia hospitals nearing capacity as COVID-19 cases rise. Here’s how to check yours]
“Unfortunately, I think we’re going to see a significant number of deaths from this disease and the side effects of overloading the health care system,” Coule said.
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Across Georgia, many intensive care units and emergency departments are overwhelmed by the wave of COVID-19 caused by the delta variant. Many intensive care units are running out of room for more patients, which creates backups in emergency rooms.
“The health care system is basically at peak right now at least for our region, and based on a review of state data, we’re seeing it in other facilities as well,” Coule said.
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Coule said data from the Georgia Coordinating Center shows severe overcrowding in emergency departments that is rampant, with a number of hospitals facing away from patients.
“It is extremely important that people understand that if you are not vaccinated, get the vaccine,” Coule said. “You don’t want to end up with COVID with already overcrowded intensive care units. “
Coule said the capacity crisis is affecting other critically ill patients in addition to those with COVID.
“If the emergency department is overcrowded, it is difficult for this emergency department to provide the same high quality care to a heart attack victim or trauma victim,” Coule said.
Coule said his team are working incredibly hard to save lives, but Georgians can help by staying home, wearing a mask in large crowds, and paying attention to points of contact.
Coule said getting the vaccine can save not only the life of the person vaccinated, but the lives of other people as well.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, Coule recommends finding a hospital that offers monoclonal antibody infusions, which can greatly improve outcomes for those infected.
© 2021 Cox Media Group
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