Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is currently treating one positive COVID-19 patient at its main hospital facility, and is preparing for potential increased patient volume in coming weeks.

The positive COVID-19 patient has been isolated in a negative pressure room since being admitted on March 23, and is being treated accordingly. HRRMC previously had two negative pressure rooms at its facility, but given potential increases in patient volume in the future, has converted additional rooms in the facility to negative pressure rooms, for a current total of five. Negative pressure rooms use lower air pressure to allow outside air into a contained environment, then traps and keeps potentially infectious and contagious particles within the room by preventing internal air from leaving the space.

Additional facility space is being allocated and arranged in preparation for increased patient volume. Given only urgent and emergent surgeries are being performed at this time, the Same Day Surgery unit has been reconfigured to create space for 14 additional beds. Other areas of the hospital are also being considered for reconfiguration.

As personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical supplies are in consistent demand, HRRMC is working with Chaffee County Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management to coordinate county-wide supplies through the Strategic National Stockpile and donation drives in addition to each entity’s specific efforts. HRRMC is currently accepting donations of PPE in the form of N-95 or P-95 masks, isolation gowns, goggles, plastic face shields, bleach and disinfectant wipes (labeled for Human Coronavirus and SARS), and hand sanitizer. Unopened packages are preferred, but if opened, please donate all items within some type of closed container or bag. Donations are being accepted at the entrance of the hospital, Outpatient Pavilion, Salida Health Center on Highway 50, and at the Buena Vista Health Center.

There is no current need from the community for hand-made masks, as breathability, moisture, and protection are all important factors that need to be vetted out before hand-made masks are put into widespread use.

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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