In a novel use of telehealth in emergency medicine in California, patient care tents were utilized as overflow for the emergency department in regard to COVID-19 patients. The system was setup so that each tent, set up in the parking lot, had space for 10-15 isolated patients. Each patient area had critical equipment, like electrocardiogram machines and oxygen tanks, as well as heaters and blankets for the cold. Also, there were at least 2 registered nurses and one emergency medical technician in each tent but all lab testing, like bloodwork, was conducted in the hospital after the sample was obtained from the patient in the tent. The only patients allowed to stay in the tents were those that were not in high-risk categories, like immunosuppressed individuals, as well as those who had a pulse oximetry reading of 95% or greater and a heart rate less than 110 bpm. Those who were in high-risk categories or failed the pulse ox/HR were placed directly into an ED room inside the hospital while those who were not presenting COVID-19 symptoms were isolated and underwent the normal triage process. When dealing with patient care, iPads were used for communication between patient and physician. The nurses stationed inside of the tent assisted with the appropriate setup for the communication and also assisted with any necessary physical examination.

This system lessened the face-to-face interactions of physicians with possible COVID-19 patients while dedicating space to those who are at higher risk of mortality inside of the hospital. This system was more of a proof of concept than a long-term solution for hospital overcrowding but should be considered when trying to solve this important problem with the unique system of telehealth.