News

All clear after smoke threat at Pardee, hospital says

By Bill Moss, Published: February 12, 2015

Firefighters swept through a patient floor at Pardee Hospital and the staff relocated patients who had been in the rooms affected by smoke after an air handler malfunctioned on Wednesday night.

The failure of an air handler at 7 p.m. caused the smoke, triggering a response by nursing, maintenance and security personnel to shut down the affected area, the hospital said in a news release. The Hendersonville Fire Department made a sweep of the entire hospital to ensure that all areas were safe for patients, visitors and staff.

A limited number of patients were relocated to adjacent rooms while smoke was being vented, the news release said, and Pardee CEO Jay Kirby visited with all patients affected and reassured them that the situation was under control. Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Vindigni confirmed that the building was safe and that there was no threat to patients, the hospital said. Vindigni praised Pardee staff members for the use of simulated drills and training that they have undergone in preparing them for these types of situations.

"Pardee Hospital would like to thank the rapid response of the Hendersonville Fire Department, the nursing staff, shift leaders, maintenance, and environmental services for their prompt and collaborative efforts in resolving this matter," interim marketing director Adam Fisher said in a news release.