LANCASTER, CA — Samaritan’s Purse continues to work hand-in-hand with Antelope Valley Hospital in LA County —bringing medical surge capacity to aid in the fight against COVID-19 in Southern California. Their 54-bed unit is not only helping patients, but also bringing urgently needed relief to medical workers at Antelope Valley Hospital; many of whom have fought the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 10 months.

This report looks at the construction of this Field Hospital, including the miracle of providing vital oxygen supplies to patients.

Kelly Sites, RN, Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse came to Lancaster, California, to partner with the Antelope Valley Hospital.

Elliott Tenpenny, MD, Samaritan’s Purse:

So we’re here in Los Angeles County treating COVID-19 patients in this field hospital behind me.

Damon Tripp, Samaritan’s Purse:

This hospital was an initial semi with all of our tents, and then a DC-8, which was two semis full of our equipment.

Elliott Tenpenny:

So here on this side, these 12 tents for everything from patient care to pharmacy, base supply, hospital supply, administration tents. Many different things, and each one has a specific purpose. So there’s a tremendous amount of moving pieces to make these things happen. Right now, there’s a massive shortage of oxygen throughout the entire country.

Damon Tripp:

Without the oxygen, we couldn’t take care of the 54 patients that we have the ability to see. They actually built the system that we have here on-site in two and half days, which is a miracle. This system is not something they thought was even possible.

Elliott Tenpenny:

Motivation behind all of this is what we’re called to do. We’re serving Jesus Christ and taking care of these patients. It’s highly challenging, but what we have come to do is to share the hope of Jesus Christ through these field hospitals anywhere in the world. And right now, that need seems to be greatest in Los Angeles County.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

Read more news on Disaster Relief, Medical Ministry and the COVID 19 Pandemic.

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