Military tents?

[Control-Z]

Does anyone know why we haven't (or if we're going to) set up military tents in Haiti? I was just listening to a news story about generators, x-ray machines, medical supplies, medications...all ready to load and fly into Haiti but with no place to put them. Medical professionals are standing by.

Military tents, from what I've been told, are large, stable and suitable for semi permanent use. My sister lived in one in the middle east. She described it to me in detail (letters home). It was strong and secured to a solid floor/platform. They had AC running off of generators year round.

Seems it would be relatively simple to put them up for makeshift hospitals and clinics. Even for kitchens. The Haitians can sleep on a ground pad and get by for a while under their tent cities, but they can't live without medical care and food. We have it to offer yet no place to put it.

It seems logical to me. We can put them up to fight wars. There must be a good reason why we can't/haven't in Haiti. I am aware of the airport situation but I can't imagine that our military is not capable of getting in there and setting them up.

[blondeatlast]

1. They probably are there. the problem is getting them where they

need to be. One airport, few functioning ports, presumably blocked roads, etc.

the logistics are their own nightmare.

[Control-Z]

3. I know. You are right.

I would just love to see rows of tents set up in enough locations to treat the injured as quickly as possible.

[quiller4]

4. Actually, I've seen several set up near the airport. I'm sure there

are more dispersed but moving them when trucks can't get through isn't easy.

[cliffordu]

2. Well....I think your premise is.....strange

Maybe it's just wrongheaded. Maybe it's complete bullshit.

They don't have anything set up up in the quantities necessary to help three million homeless people with no water yet.

The logistics may be beyond your comprehension.

Oh, yeah and the military has not arrived in force yet.

Carping about tents and air conditioning is pretty naive.

No water for three days is going to start killing people.


I guess you could be right and they could have a nice tent to die in.

[Control-Z]

5. Well, you sure told me, didn't you?

'I guess you could be right and they could have a nice tent to die in.'

No, I was thinking along the lines of having a place to do emergency surgical and life saving procedures.

I hope you feel better soon.

[cliffordu]

6. Well, they are dragging thier feet.

You're right about that.

:sarcasm:

[Control-Z]

7. Still not feeling any better?

You know, I'm getting tired of your attitude, you condescending POC. I said nothing about the military dragging their feet. I simply asked a question.

Until my sister filled me in I thought we were still using the kind of tent used in the program MASH. The modern day version is impressive, as I pointed out by example of the AC capacity. It wasn't to suggest we provide AC.

I don't know much about the military or their place in a disaster of this magnitude. I do know they use this type of tent for long term temporary camps in places of war. I don't know if it takes 2 hours to construct one or 2 weeks. I know nothing about availability. But it seemed like it might be ideal in this situation. So I asked about it. I thought someone with knowledge could give me an answer.

For all I know they will be using them and have already sent them on their way. But I think you knew all that. You just needed to shit on someone.

I really hope it has made you feel better about yourself.

[cliffordu]

8. Well....

Under survival conditions, you can survive:

Three minutes without air.

Three hours without shelter (in freezing weather, without proper gear).

Three days without water.

and three weeks without food.

These are rules of thumb. There are always exceptions.

Which of the above is the exigent matter there in Haiti??? The emergent need?

I would say that the vast majority of the people who live there never step inside an air conditioned building in their lives.

Maybe they need water more than conditioned tents.

:shrug:

And you're right - I am a nasty piece o' shit. Particularly to those who think the people in Haiti need weekend camping outfits.

And I feel fine, thanks,

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. They are

the IDF is already running a hospital... and the ICRC moved a MASH unit from strategic reserve in Panama yesterday with the help of a US C-130.

Tents are coming in, they always do.

[Control-Z]

11. Thank you

for a real answer. I appreciate it.

[Dappleganger]

10. Rachel showed the inflatable hospital which is on its way.

Things are happening, it's just that we're not there to see the logistics of it all.

[Control-Z]

12. It's hard when you can't

get a clear picture of what is being done to help. The people are suffering. That part is clear