Watch CBS News

Coronavirus In Colorado: Hospital Running Low On Personal Protective Equipment

DENVER (CBS) - The emergency department at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is running low on personal protective equipment. Officials are currently looking at alternatives if a surge in coronavirus patients continues. One option would be reusing PPE.

"We have (only) days worth of PPE at our current rate. We are looking for alternatives and contingencies and I think we're making good progress," said Dr. Richard Zane, Chief Innovation Officer for UCHealth and chair of emergency medicine for the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

UC HEALTH PPE 10 PKG.transfer_frame_683
(credit: CBS)

Zane says if demand continues to grow, they're currently looking at adjustments they can make to accommodate more patients. Officials are looking at how they will allocate ventilators and the possibility of patients sharing them. They're also identifying places they can put more people.

"How we can turn regular rooms into ICU rooms? How we can turn nontraditional space into health care space? And how we can preserve our workforce?" Zane told CBS4's Dominic Garcia.

CENTURA HEALTH PPE DRIVE 6PKG.transfer_frame_235
(credit: CBS)

He adds that the next few weeks will be crucial, and health officials should have a better idea if social distancing measures have worked. In the meantime, Zane says it's crucial people continue to listen to lawmakers and stay home and follow health guidelines.

"So Coloradans can help Coloradans by doing this, and if you choose not to you are actively being part of the problem."

RELATED: Latest Updates On The Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.