In Upper Austria, a patient died in 2015 after a fire. Rarely, but again and again, there are smaller fires in the local clinics. The hospitals are prepared: In case of emergency, people are evacuated.
If there is a fire, there is a clear plan: the patients first stay in their own room for as long as possible. If the flames get out of control, it’s quick – horizontal evacuation! The hospital staff grab hold of the sick and take them to the next ward on the same floor, separated by a fire door. If that is not enough, the patient is immediately evacuated vertically – the patients go down one level. In the event of a full fire, the entire building will eventually be evacuated. The ambulance takes the patient to another hospital as quickly as possible.
This is the “exit plan” for the eleven clinics of the Upper Austrian health holding if the horror scenario materializes. The hospital in Vienna-Mödling recently experienced something like this: three pensioners died in a fire.
Cigarette caused deadly flames
A patient also lost his life in a fire in Upper Austria. In February 2015, a 74-year-old in the old Linz General Hospital lit a cigarette in bed and fell asleep. The man suffered severe burns and died ten days later.
This is not the only reason why there are strict rules today: “In hospitals, fires are particularly challenging because many patients are not or only partially mobile,” says Alexander Semczyszyn, safety coordinator of the health holding company. Also dangerous: “If a patient takes off his oxygen mask, for example because he wants to drink something, the escaping oxygen enriches the bedding and clothing. The textiles are then highly flammable.” That is why there is a strict ban on open fire in all clinics: “Even candles on the Advent wreath are not allowed.” In addition, all employees must attend annual fire safety training.
Lots of false alarms but few real fires
Nevertheless, small fires do occur in rare cases. For example, fire in the garbage can or burnt food in the microwave. However, no injuries have been reported in recent years. False alarms are more common: hot water vapor in the kitchen can trigger the fire alarm, as can dust during construction work. In the past year, the health holding clinics said 40 times: False alarm!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
