EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers helped the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Health establish an alternate care site at East Stroudsburg University’s Koehler Fieldhouse April 14.
Koehler Fieldhouse was chosen as a temporary medical site should hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. In preparation, cots, privacy screens and other equipment were staged for operation.
More than 64 beds were set up at the facility, with additional beds available if the need arises.
“To help take some relief off hospitals, we’re helping them set up tables, chairs and cots,” said Sgt. Joshua David, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
Spc. Madison Macknosky, who was activated to state active duty in support of COVID-19 operations, said missions such as this are one of the reasons she enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“Being on state active duty orders definitely gives me the opportunity to help other people and be a bigger part of the community,” said Macknosky, who is a combat medic with HHC, 337th Engineer Battalion. “And just to help out as much as I can.”