Could we do the same here in the United States — today? We have field hospitals in the military, but 1,000-bed capacity is a real challenge. I'm sure the Chinese are not letting environmental concerns and "building permits" get in the way of completing the new hospital.
There was a time here in the United States when the impossible was achieved, see this story of the repair of the aircraft carrier Yorktown, Repairing the Yorktown After the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The original repair schedule was estimated at 90 days. They put the ship back into service after three intensive days of repairing the Yorktown. An unheard-of achievement by a Navy needing more firepower and force projection for the upcoming battle of Midway.
Another military reference I recall was the movement of armored vehicles in Africa during World War II. Logisticians said they could not move tanks the distance required because they didn't have enough wheeled tank carriers to get them into battle in a timely manner. Another option was to "road march" the tanks without having them be trucked to the front. It was originally dismissed because it would be too much wear and tear on the tank tracks. Those decisions were overridden by the general officer who needed the tanks. His point was, "This is war — we will do what is required to win. It is not about preserving components of the tank."
The point being made with the two stories above is that desperate times require desperate actions that go beyond the normal courses of action.
Remember this when you are faced with a true calamity. Don't be constrained by how you did things before. Do what needs to be done to win the disaster battle.
