Boiler Room Explosion – Patients Moved Due to Safety Concerns

    SARANAC LAKE –  At approximately 10:00 a.m. on this date, an explosion erupted in the boiler room of Adirondack Medical Center; nobody was hurt.  An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause.
    Due to the projected loss of heat and hot water for at least two days and respecting patients as our number one priority, the decision was made to evacuate patients to nearby hospitals in Plattsburgh and Malone, AMC~Lake Placid and AMC~Uihlein nursing home.  Approximately 35 patients are currently being transferred via area ambulance services.
    The Medical Center’s Emergency Department will remain open to evaluate and treat patients, transferring those that have to be admitted.  In addition, all outpatient non-surgical services will remain open, i.e. x-ray, lab, physical therapy, etc.
    There is an immediate concern with the structural integrity of the chimney due to damage incurred in the explosion.  Engineers are on sight inspecting the situation and in all likelihood the chimney will have to be dismantled.  All possible safety precautions have been taken to ensure that the area is cordoned off from any automobile and pedestrian traffic.
    The Medical Center is exploring all possibilities including a temporary heating system and other avenues.  Chandler Ralph, AMC President & CEO, states “Although this was a dangerous situation, staff reacted immediately to safeguard every patient.  The incident command system was extremely effective and, as usual, all staff was on board to assist in these efforts, including area rescue squads and vendors assisting us in repairing the damage.  And kudos to the Medical Staff who immediately assessed their patients in order to most effectively and safely have their patients transferred to the most appropriate facility.”
  
    
    CAPTION:
    Ambulance squads from Chateaugay, Moira, and Malone, in addition to several others, responded to AMC to assist in the transfer of patients to other facilities.
     

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