ICEMA mobilizes surge response at St. Bernardine Medical Center to support patient care

A group of ICEMA staff and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers stand together, smiling in front of the San Bernardino County ICEMA mobile field hospital. — *ICEMA staff worked alongside Medical Reserves Corp volunteers to support St. Bernardine Medical Center.*

On Feb. 18, 2025, the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA), in coordination with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), responded to a patient surge at St. Bernardine Medical Center. As part of this effort, ICEMA and MRC deployed a mobile field hospital to provide critical support while simultaneously conducting an on-site training session for hospital staff.

The response utilized equipment funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response’s Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant, a federal initiative that provides resources to hospitals and healthcare systems to enhance disaster and emergency preparedness. The deployment also included HPP inventory inspections of hospital equipment, which are a vital component of the grant program.

The MRC, a national network of volunteers consisting of both medical and non-medical professionals, played a crucial role in supporting the surge response. In addition to providing hands-on patient care support, MRC volunteers worked alongside ICEMA to train hospital staff on the use of emergency response equipment and surge management strategies.

By leveraging HPP-funded resources and the expertise of MRC volunteers, ICEMA ensured that St. Bernardine Medical Center was better equipped to manage increased patient volume and enhance overall emergency preparedness. This collaboration underscores the importance of regional partnerships in strengthening healthcare system resilience and improving response capabilities during critical situations.

Additional County Update News – March 20, 2025