Good News to Share: Marian Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department Director Draws on Military Background for Local Pandemic Planning
SANTA MARIA, CA – April 16, 2020 – Marian Regional Medical Center's Emergency Department Director, Dr. Paul Webber MD, MPH, served in the US Navy from 1986-1997 in numerous capacities: counter-narcotics operations, diving operations, parachuting & support arms operations with US Marine Corps, and various overseas deployments. He graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS in Engineering & English, as well as from Tulane Medical School with combined MD/MPH degree with a focus on International Health. He remains in the Navy's Inactive Reserves.
Through his military service and international medical endeavors, he gained invaluable experience in disaster management and possesses a keen understanding of operational readiness which has helped him restructure Marian's ER in preparation for an expected surge of critical patients.
"We've been decisive and innovative,” says Dr. Webber, “preemptively, we erected triage & treatment tents, set up communication networks, readied PPE & supplies, and separated the Emergency Department into a 'warm zone' for COVID-19 patients and a regular side for our typical emergencies, like strokes and trauma. Recognizing our sickest COVID-19 patients will crash quickly, we established expert airway strike teams. These preparations will save lives and protect staff, our foremost goals."
Dr. Webber attributes much of Marian's readiness and responsiveness to superb collaboration between the hospital's administration and the medical staff.
If you would like to interview Dr. Webber please contact [email protected] or call (805) 739-3574.
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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care. Marian has been a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and was also named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care by Healthgrades. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center in Santa Barbara County, and is designated a Level III Trauma Center by Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients. Our cancer care program is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, and received the Outstanding Achievement Award. The campus houses a comprehensive perinatology/ neonatology program, providing specialized care to the tiniest of patients.
Publish date:
Thursday, April 16, 2020