In preparation for the surge of equestrian visitors for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, St. Luke’s Hospital activated a virtual emergency command center for medical coverage for the event.

After months of planning for any scenario that might occur during the WEG, St. Luke’s Hospital is now ready with staff, supplies and regional partnerships.

“As the community hospital best situated to support the World Equestrian Games, St. Luke’s and our team prepared for months to ensure we effectively manage the health and medical needs of all those we serve, including our international visitors,” said hospital CEO James Bross. “We have worked with Polk County Emergency Management Services, North Carolina emergency services and with our partners at Atrium Health to collaboratively provide medical coverage at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.”

With St. Luke’s Hospital and Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas Healthcare System) as the official healthcare providers for the FEI World Equestrian Games, a mobile hospital is on-site at Tryon International Equestrian Center, along with first aid stations and providers roving throughout the horse park to take care of minor health care needs.

St. Luke’s Hospital has prepared for months to manage a projected influx of equestrians who might need medical care. Led by Lori Oliver, nurse manager, an internal hospital team met regularly to prepare for staffing, supplies, global communications, cultural differences, parking, patient flow and infection prevention.

“Our team has done a phenomenal job to prepare for the World Equestrian Games and virtually any potential disaster that could accompany such a large-scale global event,” Bross said. “For local residents, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional care, close to home. For our visitors, we’re here and ready to provide exceptional care for those far from home.”

– Submitted by St. Luke’s Hospital