On March 1, 2007, multiple tornadoes swept through Americus, Georgia, destroying the entire town and the only hospital in the region, Sumter Regional Hospital along with its Imaging Center. As a result, seventy patients required emergency evacuation. (Read DOTmed News' previous coverage here.)

The local Philips Medical System team met with hospital Management and Radiology staff to calculate the damage to their equipment. Over 70% of the diagnostic areas and operating equipment was destroyed. In response to the disaster, Philips called upon the DMS Interim Solutions team, which included independent driver and President of JFK Trucking Inc. Joe Kilfoyle. Kilfoyle grabbed his keys and came to the rescue.

"The tornado went through Georgia and took out the hospital. And, they called me to pick up the mobile CT in Waxahachie and deliver it to Americus, Georgia," said Kilfoyle. "I went in and I set the whole unit up, with the help of Corey Gunnin and Greg Parker and electricians, making sure it was powered up and everything. In emergency situations like that you don't have phones in the trailer because all of the phone lines are gone so I had to level it out. Normally, generators are used for power."
Because Kilfoyle was knowledgeable about FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) procedures, he was able to work efficiently and deliver the system quickly despite security road blocks. "I get to the trailer, make sure it is all ready to go and make sure everything is strapped down and ready for travel. Then, I take it where it has to go," said Kilfoyle.

Kilfoyle has a history of helping. He was called in after the events of September 11, 2001 in New York City to bring in CTs, being one of only six drivers. He also helped during Hurricane Katrina, bringing the first unit into New Orleans after they drained the city, and taking eight units down to the Gulf shore over the past two years.

"Of course with so many trailers you get kind of used to going in and out of the disaster area," said Kilfoyle. "I do not like going into emergency disaster relief, but I would never pass one up."

Kilfoyle cannot confirm exactly what happened after the drop-off because someone else picked up the unit after they were done with it. According to Kilfoyle, Georgia finally got their systems back up and running last month, the quick actions of DMS and the "guys behind the scenes" like Joseph Kilfoyle, rushing in as people are rushing out.

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