This story was updated March 26, 2024 to include information about IU Health.
Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis and IU Health hospitals are limiting the number of surgeries and appointments taking place the day of the eclipse.
TJ Edwards, emergency preparedness coordinator for Eskenazi, said on April 8, only in-patient surgeries will take place. This means patients who have extended stays at the hospital will be allowed to schedule a surgery for that day. Critical surgeries will also take place.
“We've adjusted our clinic schedules, closed the clinics so that we don't have to worry about patients getting to our clinics and then not being able to get home,” Edwards said. “More accidents and things are likely that day, so keeping folks off the road and safe in their homes is a priority for us.”
Clinic appointments include regular checkups with doctors, Edwards said. Those are being rescheduled.
TJ Edwards, emergency preparedness coordinator for Eskenazi, said she is working with other agencies to provide immediate care the day of the eclipse. (Zoom)
“We're looking to see anybody that we can ahead of time, and the day after resuming normal activities," Edwards said. “That way, no one feels like they were neglected; their services are still getting made.”
Jason King, incident commander for the IU Health South Central region, said urgent care and walk-ins will still be open during the eclipse. Only emergency surgeries will be scheduled for April 8.
“These are patients who can't wait and we can't delay it,” Mast said. “We are doing our best to try to have them hopefully out by noon, so that they don't get caught in traffic as much as possible.”
Justin Mast, manager of emergency preparedness and response for Eskenazi, said he does expect it to be more crowded at the hospital that day.
“What we've seen with other special events sometimes is during the event, there might be a little decrease, and then it tends to increase after,” Mast said.
During the four minutes of totality, doctors busy with a patient will not be permitted to watch the eclipse. Staff who find themselves not visiting a patient will be allowed to watch. Staff will be coming in earlier that day and should prepare to leave later.
Edwards, Mast and King are concerned about heavy traffic that day and peoples’ ability to get urgent care in case of an emergency, especially since the event will encompass the entire state.
Justin Mast, manager of emergency preparedness and response for Eskenazi, said people should make sure they have their medications with them while traveling. (Zoom)
“Folks who are dependent on medic medications, potentially diabetics or oxygen supplies, if they're out and about they really need to make sure that they have a sufficient supply should they be significantly delayed,” Mast said.
Brian Van Bokkelen, media and public affairs manager for the hospital, said on the day of the eclipse, 33 ambulances will be deployed throughout Marion County. Providers on e-bikes will also be available in more populated areas. Back-up communication systems have also been put in place.
“Our first responders operate on a first priority cell network, and have our normal dispatch radio channels as well as a backup VHF radio system to ensure that our communication isn’t severely impacted during the event,” Van Bokkelen said.
All staff members at the IU Hospital will be working on eclipse day. Some emergency personnel within a 30 minute commute will be required to stay on site from 7 a.m. Sunday, April 7 through 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 9 to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Ambulances and helicopters will be available to address any emergencies.
“We have also looked at alternate places for helicopters to land in case a helicopter needs to be dispatched,” Mast said.
