HOUSTON – Houston area hospitals are gearing up to help the victims of the tornado devastation in Oklahoma.
Texas Children's Hospital has a team on standby. The hospital is ready to send staff and supplies to Oklahoma. They are also prepared to accept patients here in Houston.
"I think particularly because we're the largest children's hospital in the United States, we feel have a particular role to play. We know we have the capacity to help in a meaningful way," said Physician-in-Chief Dr. Mark Kline.
Dr. Kline says the greatest challenge is caring for critical victims.
"Crush injuries that occur in that kind of setting are not something we see on a routine basis," said Dr. Kline. "It takes very special training and knowledge to treat those affected."
Chaplain Logan Rutherford from Memorial Hermann Trauma Center traveled to Oklahoma with Houston Red Cross volunteers on Tuesday.
"They're not looking for answers. They're not looking for any type of theological discussion. They're looking for somebody there that can help through the initial crisis, and make a little sense of what's happening," said Rutherford.
Texas Children's Hospital is coordinating with state officials and getting regular updates to be ready to leave on a moment's notice.