Slave Lake wildfire forces evacuation of hospital

SLAVE LAKE – All patients (29) and staff were safely evacuated from Slave Lake General Hospital Sunday evening, after a wildfire swept into the town.

Alberta Health Services enacted its evacuation procedures as soon as it became apparent that the hospital was threatened. Slave Lake physicians and staff safely evacuated the facility, and patients were taken by EMS to health care facilities in other communities.

Background information:

• There were 29 patients – a mixture of long-term and acute care – in Slave Lake General Hospital when the order to evacuate was made. They were initially taken to a local hotel, which was set up as a temporary field hospital, then taken by ambulance or Handi-Bus to hospitals in Westlock (19), Athabasca (5) and Boyle (4). One patient was flown to Edmonton.
• AHS has set up a special number for family members of patients. That number is 1-866-301-2668. It is strictly for family members of patients to find out information about their loved ones.
• AHS worked closely with officials from the Town of Slave Lake, RCMP and Fire. We are grateful for the support of those other agencies.
• Extra staff members were brought in to help look after the evacuated patients in the three towns of Westlock, Athabasca and Boyle. Counseling staff will be on site to help both patients and staff that were forced to leave Slave Lake.
• The status of Slave Lake General Hospital is uncertain at this time. The hospital will remain closed until further notice.
• A local physician, EMS and STARS will continue to provide emergency medical services to those remaining in Slave Lake, including those continuing to fight the wildfire. Two EMS crews have remained in Slave Lake. A medical supply unit is now in Slave Lake, and a Multiple Patient Unit (10 stretchers) was sent late last night.
• Our priority at all times was the care of our patients, in what was obviously an extremely challenging and fast-moving situation. We are proud of the way our staff pulled together to evacuate staff safely and successfully. There were no reported injuries.
• Air quality advisories issued earlier Sunday remain in effect in both the Slave Lake and Peace River areas. Alberta Health Services is advising residents of both areas to take precautions against potential health risks associated with current air conditions.
• People who experience difficulty breathing should consult their physicians or contact HEALTHLink Alberta to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

• Backgrounder

- 30 -