Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds
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Allegheny General on the North Side. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
Pittsburgh's hospital systems are mobilizing in anticipation of hundreds of thousands of NFL Draft visitors flocking to the city this month.
Why it matters: Record crowds, alcohol and late nights can quickly overwhelm emergency departments.
- Hospitals are expanding services across the event's footprint to free up critical resources for visitors and residents.
State of play: Allegheny Health Network and UPMC are working with the city and NFL to ensure this year's draft goes off without a hitch — drawing on lessons from past host cities and other high-turnout North Shore events.
Zoom in: AHN Prehospital Care and Allegheny General will staff at least three medical forts near Acrisure Stadium, providing on-site care from doctors, nurses, and other clinicians equipped to triage and treat beyond basic first aid, per AHN's comprehensive plan released last week.
- UPMC will staff a network of aid tents in high-traffic areas across the North Shore and Downtown, KDKA reports.
- AHN mobile clinics will be in Market Square for first aid and minor health concerns. Nearby, AHN Downtown Express' walk-in clinic near Point State Park will extend its hours to 11am-11pm from April 22-25.
How it works: Teams will run a command center at Nova Place on the North Side to direct patient flow and coordinate with EMS amid road closures and heavy traffic.
Flashback: Allegheny General staff recently held a mass casualty drill simulating a crisis at Acrisure to stress-test rapid response to a worst-case scenario.
- It's one of three Level I trauma centers within city limits.
What they're saying: Brent Rau, Allegheny General emergency department medical director, says the city's care providers are ready for the anticipated crowds.
- "[The hospital] has a long history of effectively responding to events that bring high volumes of people to the North Side and patients to our doors," he said in a statement.
What's next: The NFL Draft is April 23-25.