This is compounded by the fact that many doctor’s offices and other medical facilities are closed due to storm damage and power outages. Typically, after a storm, there is an increase in post storm injuries as people get hurt trying to clear debris. “The Florida Department of Health asked us to assist West Kendall Baptist Hospital deal with a surge in emergency room patients,” said Pelaez, a nurse and paramedic. Bridget Pelaez, RN trying to get some sleep after a long night in the ER.Īfter an exhausting 12-hour shift heading a dozen FIU-FAST (Florida Advanced Surgical Transport) team-members deployed after the storm, Bridget Pelaez found a cot at the FIU Emergency Operations center and hoped for a few hours of sleep.