NWT wildfires are forcing towns to empty. How do you evacuate a hospital?
Global News
Encroaching wildfires have forced hospitals to close. Evacuating patients is a complex and high-pressure procedure, two people with experience said.
By noon Friday, all Yellowknife residents should have fled the city to seek shelter away from the encroaching fires.
The evacuation order recommended people drive, but not everyone can.
The Stanton Territorial Hospital, the largest in the territory and centre of the acute care system, is in Yellowknife. It has 75 beds for services including surgery and cardiac care.
The city also has several long-term care facilities.
As of 6 p.m. Eastern time Friday, an Alberta Health Services spokesperson said they’ve placed 48 N.W.T. residents in spaces throughout the province and are preparing to support 150 to 200 more.
They also said staff are preparing for 33 obstetrical and 19 dialysis patients.
Evacuating a hospital or medical centre to keep patients safe from wildfires is a complex and potentially risky procedure, according to two people involved in past closures.
They said it involves planning, practice and adaptability.