Columbus Medical Association Affiliate COTS Preparing for Once in a Lifetime Solar Eclipse

For almost two years now, CMA affiliate, COTS, has taken on the immense task of preparing for the upcoming once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. Much of Ohio is in the path of totality, forcing healthcare workers to prepare for an influx of people coming to the Buckeye state. You’ll notice some school systems have already decided to close, so students can take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

You might not think a few minutes of darkness could cause chaos, but COTS leaders say otherwise. So, what do you need to know about the 2024 Solar Eclipse? 

  1. On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 states across the nation

  2. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the Sun

  3. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio happened back in 1806

  4. The entire eclipse will last around 10 minutes

  5. The next total solar eclipse to occur in Ohio will not happen until 2444

Back in 2023, COTS president Sherri Kovach and Director of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness, Jodi Keller, were featured on a local podcast to explain how planning for these types of events is crucial.

In the interview you will hear Sherri and Jodi mention how their teams have met monthly for years to keep us safe ahead of this large-scale event. While the interview focuses on the preparations for Mass Causalty Incidents in general, you will get a glimpse of the great detailCOTS teams must address ahead of events like the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. 

Here are few items COTS is tackling ahead of the event:

  1. Mental Health Concerns: Folks suffering from certain mental illnesses can be thrown off from unexpected darkness, causing a crisis that might require immediate medical attention

  2. Extreme Traffic: Experts say this could put a strain on local infrastructure and lead to more traffic accidents and delay emergency services reaching patients

  3. Extreme Demand for Lodging: Several hotels, campsites, and parks have already sold out all their spaces 

  4. Hospital System Overload 

  5. Educational Opportunities

  6. Local Business Income Driver

COTS is responsible for preparing several Ohio hospital systems for a possible influx of patients. Part of this planning includes making sure there is enough blood supply for a Mass Casualty Incident. Jodi Keller, a key planner for the event, says there will also be mobile clinics pre-positioned in counties with smaller hospitals to expand healthcare resources.

What should you NOT do during the Total Solar Eclipse:

  1. Do not use sunglasses, instead use eclipse glasses with the CE label 

  2. Do not look at the sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars while using your eclipse glasses  

While this is not a complete explanation of all the items COTS is planning for the total solar eclipse, it can show just how in-depth their organizing skills must be for this event.

Right now, the organization is already thinking ahead for summer concerts, Red, White, & Boom, and of course the Ohio State Buckeye football season. Much of COTS’ organizing happens behind the scenes, but it is their proactive work that improves the health and safety of the communities they serve.

Destiney Davis