Military Medical Team Arrives at Saint Francis Hospital

HARTFORD, Conn. -- On Thursday morning, a team of military medical personnel arrived at Saint Francis Hospital to assist providers under a federal COVID-19 surge response program put together by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We are so proud to welcome these men and women to Hartford,” said Thomas Burke, BPharm, MBA, President of Saint Francis Hospital. “The impact that this team will have will be wonderful for our providers, colleagues, and most importantly, our patients. The latest surge tested us in ways we hadn’t seen throughout the pandemic, and these service members will help relieve some of the lingering impact we’re still feeling.”

Most of the 20 Airmen arrived at Saint Francis by way of Joint Base San Antonio, where they are members of the 59th Medical Wing. The medical team includes members from bases in Alabama, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico. The contingency includes six critical care nurses, five clinical nurses, three physicians, two cardiopulmonary nurses, a nurse practitioner, and three medical support personnel.

“The main goal of our mission is to help alleviate the strain on the staff who are overworked due to patient census and staffing challenges,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Stuart Brigham, the officer in charge of the team assigned to Saint Francis. “I am truly honored that I am able to use my skill set to care for the sick and mitigate the suffering of the citizens here of Connecticut,” said Brigham.

The clinicians will be placed in various areas of the hospital that need additional support. The team will be on site at Saint Francis for at least 30 days.