Winter Storm Uri gripped the entire state of Texas all the way to the Mexican border in its deadly, icy clasp from February 11 until February 20, 2021. According to the Hobby School of Public Affairs, damages totaled at least $295 billion, and it is estimated that 702 people lost their lives from cold, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other cold-related injuries (asamonitor.pub/3nd0pRa). Veteran hospital leaders had not seen anything like it, despite being in the hurricane- and flood-prone coast of Texas for 30-plus years (personal communication). Dr. Mary Dale Peterson shares her experiences in the interview that follows and gives us tips about what anesthesiology departments can do to prepare.
Q: Dr. Peterson, thank you so much for making space on your very busy schedule for this interview. How much time did your organization have to prepare for this unprecedented weather event?
A: On Thursday morning (February 11),...