Ironton, Ohio Practically Disease-Free During Flood

Physicians, Others Worked Tirelessly To Meet Emergency; Epidemic Prevented As A Result

One of the outstanding achievements of the flood emergency, in addition to the care and housing of refugees, was the efficient, thorough manner in which the health situation was handled. Marked cooperation between local health agencies, physicians, and visiting health officials resulted in the crisis being met in a noble, inspiring manner. At no time was there ever a trance of an epidemic.

Deaths resulting during the emergency came to persons who had been ill before the waters climbed to new levels and all in all the health work of the great flood of January 1937 will ever stand as a tribute to the ability, tireless energy and foresight of those in charge of this branch of emergency work.

Both the Deaconess and Marting hospitals were crowded during the flood period. In addition, emergency units were set up at the Episcopal Parish House, St. Joseph School, and County Infirmary. First aid stations were set up at all centers. Physicians were assigned to districts, and the efficient, tireless work of every individual contributed to the success of the undertaking.

Deaconess Hospital Ironton Ohio

Several emergencies were met even at the regular hospitals. Fuel failure resulted in temporary lines being run to the Deaconess hospital and the Marting in the dead of night. The power and heat units were saved only after Dr. W.F. Martin had secured a water pump from the mayor of Oak Hill. Oil-burning stoves were provided during these emergencies, and similar agencies and coal stoves were provided at the emergency locations.

The local health campaign was directed by a board composed of Colonel Jackson of the visiting army medical unit, Dr. C.A. Casey, president of the County Medical Society, and Dr. O.H. Henninger, police justice.

[A Photo of Deaconnes Hospital]

The thorough manner in which the health authorities organized to meet the emergency is shown clearly in the following schedule, Maintained to the letter during the flood through the seemingly tireless energy of all participating individuals:

Deaconess Hospital – Clearness clerk for doctors’ calls, rescue boards, and ambulances in readiness. Hospital for only acute medical and surgical cases.

Parish House – Reached by truck or boat, entrance Episcopal Church; forty-two beds, ten to twelve now empty; Five RNs; If can get practical nurses attendants, can split this RN service. Milk kitchen here for babies. Nipples and bottles cleaned and dispensed to other buildings (now feeding 300 meals a day to good people, policemen, boatmen, and courthouse workers and this load should be transferred.

Marting Hospital – Acute cases

First Aid Stations – Kingsberry

Dentists on duty – Will place nurse.

Lombard – Small hospital here with three RN’S.

Whitwell – Establishing first aid at Whitwell.

Courthouse – County health rooms

County Infirmary – Fully equipped; Dr. Wood is in charge. Isolation Hospital to be established at St. Joseph School gym – 10 beds.
Army Medical Headquarters and first aid in Elk’s Building dispensary here.
First aid station to be established at High School. All first aid stations are to have an RN on duty.

Sanitation to be placed under Dr. Allen and Sanitation Mulligan to collaborate with Sgt. Wooster – Headquarters first aid station Kingsbury Bldg. These men to work out the matter of establishing seepage latrines where refugees are housed.

Medical Supplies – All medical supplies are to be issued on a requisition through Sgt. Wooster at Kingsbury Building. Supplies are to be centered at Kingsbury except for serums and vaccines, which will be kept at Deaconess Hospital.

Refrigeration – A nurse is to be put in charge of this.

Parish House – Dr. Smith, Henninger, Stewart, and Externe.

Kingsbury – Capt. Cherrington; Drs. Hunter, O’Neill, Smith, and French.

Lombard – Dr. Mahl.

Whitewell – Nurse; Dr. Lynd and Dr. Ellsworth.

High School – Drs. Casey, Massie, and Burton.

Infirmary – Dr. Wood.

St Joseph – Drs. Massie and Allen

Court House – Dr. Stewart

Deaconess Hospital – Dr. Gallagher, Vidt, Henninger, and all other doctors who can get into it for their own cases.

Marting Hospital – Drs. Anne And W.F. Marting.

Doctors must establish daily rounds or remain at designated buildings for an hour or so each day. Alternate services of your group as you wish, but keep adequate attendance. Red Cross check of names of refugees being made suggests sick calls be made once daily to round up all minor complaints at one hour. An RN is to be placed at each first aid station. Nurse and first aid, Lawrence St; Nurse and first aid St. Lawrence depend on Kingsbury except the nurse.

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