Avista Hospital Acknowledges Marshall Fire Superheroes By Megan Mayes
The Marshall Fire devastated hearts and homes in the communities of Superior and Louisville. For many of us who watched the events of December 30 unfold, our minds were stuck on heroes and hospitals, particularly Avista Adventist Hospital. Just after noon, the fire was reported more than a mile from the hospital, but extreme winds were rapidly pushing the fire closer. Through news reports and social media postings, Avista became a sort of benchmark for the severity and location of the fire. Many heroes were present within the hospital and on the frontlines of the wildfire. Isaac Sendross, CEO of Avista Adventist Hospital, would like to acknowledge their efforts both during and after the emergency.
Through the stages of pre-evacuation and total evacuation, 51 patients and all caregivers were able to safely leave in less than two hours with no loss of life. In coordination with EMS partners, ambulances and other patient transport vehicles quickly lined up outside the Emergency Department and transferred patients to two sister Centura Health facilities. Facility team members used hoses and buckets of water to protect oxygen tanks while spot fires burned near the building. Although the fire did not cause structural damage, the hospital suffered smoke damage, which staff tried to limit by shutting off the air system to prevent the circulation of smoke. “Our caregivers and leaders knew their roles and knew exactly what needed to be done. Their priority was to get patients out safely, and they did just that. You prepare for tabletop exercises where you run through
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Our Broomfield™ Magazine | July 2022