CallisonRTKL worked with the facilities and infrastructure firmĀ PatriotĀ in a collaborative process on a design-build project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This project usesĀ PODSĀ to develop containers that can be repurposed into isolation units for alternative healthcare facilities treating coronavirus-positive patients.
Modifications to existing PODS containers were made to be used as a rapid response airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) and designed to enhance Healthcare Personnel (HCP) protection during care of infectious patients. SomeĀ of the design features implemented to limit HCP exposure:
- Isolation: Patients are isolated in an enclosed space, limiting to HCPs outside of the immediate patient care space.
- Transparency:Ā The front wall of the container is designed with a full-glass door and sidelights to provide maximum patient visibility.
- Sanitation: Seamless flooring with cove base is installed to facilitate proper housekeeping and surface disinfection.
- Lighting:Ā Multiple levels of lighting within the container haS been provided for patient comfort. Overbed lighting is provided for routine daytime settings with supplemental ceiling-mounted exam lighting and wall-mounted night lights.
- HVAC:Ā HVAC systems are designed to provide horizontal air flow, introducing air from the front of the container and discharging air directly behind the patient at the rear of the container.
- Ease of Installation:Ā Each container has individual electrical panels and condenser units mounted to the back of the container to simplify installation and commissioning of units within an alternate care site.
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USACE APPROVED CONVERSION OF PODS CONTAINERS INTO SELF-CONTAINED ROOMS FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS
According to PODS, USACE developed, tested, and approved the conversion of PODS 12-foot and 16-foot containers into self-contained rooms with hospital beds that can be used for COVID-19 positive patients.
- Washable walls and floor cover per CDC guidelines
- Emergency back-up power
- Electrical and data outlets
- Exhaust fan with HEPA filtering
- Louver with gravity damper and balancing damper
- Modified isolation room entry door with direct line-of-sight visibility of patient