Fire Drill at The Pavilion
By George Nianiatus, senior writer
Communications Department
A fourth-floor fire drill Monday involving Bradford city firefighters at The Pavilion at BRMC gave a real-life example for both staff and residents at the facility on how to properly and safely escape a blaze. If the goal was to ensure Pavilion staff got a first-hand look at refining proper escape procedures and give confidence to residents about their safety, the drill was a success, said officials involved with the one-hour event. The Pavilion is located off Pleasant Street and adjacent to Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC).
A tower truck, fire engine and eight firefighters responded to the drill which involved a mock fire in a resident’s room. It also involved Pavilion staff taking other staffers, posing as residents, past closed fire doors to a safe section of the building. Meanwhile, Pavilion residents observed the entire event from the hallway.
Afterward, a review was conducted by Jeff Gabel, BRMC’s Plant Services director, and Boo Coder, Bradford City Fire Department’s chief, for the benefit of Pavilion staff and residents. The review also included a question-and-answer period.
“Residents watched this happen and we explained how they would be safely evacuated,” Mr. Gabel said.
”This kind of drill shows staff and residents what they need to do in the event of a fire,” said Chief Coder.
Another benefit is it gave the City Fire Department a chance to become familiar with The Pavilion’s layout, Chief Coder noted. “We haven’t had to come up here very often.”
Bonnie Himes, The Pavilion’s administrator, said the drill proved to be extremely beneficial. “This was a really good learning experience,” she said. “We know better what to do with the help from this drill.”
Following the drill, Pavilion staff and residents gathered in the lounge to review what occurred and get further explanations from Chief Coder and Mr. Gabel.
“The staff has a huge responsibility to make sure residents are evacuated safely,” Chief Coder said. “This drill familiarizes staff with procedures,” he added.
Furthermore, “Residents need to know what to do and also trust that the staff will take you in the right direction” to ensure a swift and safe evacuation, the fire chief said.
“This kind of drill gives a chance to expose any possible weaknesses and plan better for any possible emergencies in the future,” Mr. Gabel said.
“It’s important that everyone is on the same page” if a fire ever arises, Chief Coder said.
The drill came about following a mutual discussion between hospital officials and the City Fire Department, Mr. Gabel noted.
The Pavilion’s Resident’s Council also had requested this type of drill. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Health requires staff to undergo one fire drill per shift per quarter during the year. The Pavilion is a 95-bed facility that provides long-term care and post-surgical rehabilitation services. For more information, call 814-362-4533 or go online at www.brmc.com.
(In the photos, courtesy of BRMC, Bradford City Fire Department firefighters prepare to enter a smoke-filled room during a drill Monday at The Pavilion at BRMC. And, Jennifer Frederick (center), The Pavlion’s assistant activities director, pretends to be a resident who’s dragged on a blanket to safety by Mandy Schleicher (left), CNA, and Melissa DeCasper, LPN.)
Communications Department
A fourth-floor fire drill Monday involving Bradford city firefighters at The Pavilion at BRMC gave a real-life example for both staff and residents at the facility on how to properly and safely escape a blaze. If the goal was to ensure Pavilion staff got a first-hand look at refining proper escape procedures and give confidence to residents about their safety, the drill was a success, said officials involved with the one-hour event. The Pavilion is located off Pleasant Street and adjacent to Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC).A tower truck, fire engine and eight firefighters responded to the drill which involved a mock fire in a resident’s room. It also involved Pavilion staff taking other staffers, posing as residents, past closed fire doors to a safe section of the building. Meanwhile, Pavilion residents observed the entire event from the hallway.
Afterward, a review was conducted by Jeff Gabel, BRMC’s Plant Services director, and Boo Coder, Bradford City Fire Department’s chief, for the benefit of Pavilion staff and residents. The review also included a question-and-answer period.
“Residents watched this happen and we explained how they would be safely evacuated,” Mr. Gabel said.
”This kind of drill shows staff and residents what they need to do in the event of a fire,” said Chief Coder.
Another benefit is it gave the City Fire Department a chance to become familiar with The Pavilion’s layout, Chief Coder noted. “We haven’t had to come up here very often.”
Bonnie Himes, The Pavilion’s administrator, said the drill proved to be extremely beneficial. “This was a really good learning experience,” she said. “We know better what to do with the help from this drill.”Following the drill, Pavilion staff and residents gathered in the lounge to review what occurred and get further explanations from Chief Coder and Mr. Gabel.
“The staff has a huge responsibility to make sure residents are evacuated safely,” Chief Coder said. “This drill familiarizes staff with procedures,” he added.
Furthermore, “Residents need to know what to do and also trust that the staff will take you in the right direction” to ensure a swift and safe evacuation, the fire chief said.
“This kind of drill gives a chance to expose any possible weaknesses and plan better for any possible emergencies in the future,” Mr. Gabel said.
“It’s important that everyone is on the same page” if a fire ever arises, Chief Coder said.
The drill came about following a mutual discussion between hospital officials and the City Fire Department, Mr. Gabel noted.
The Pavilion’s Resident’s Council also had requested this type of drill. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Health requires staff to undergo one fire drill per shift per quarter during the year. The Pavilion is a 95-bed facility that provides long-term care and post-surgical rehabilitation services. For more information, call 814-362-4533 or go online at www.brmc.com.
(In the photos, courtesy of BRMC, Bradford City Fire Department firefighters prepare to enter a smoke-filled room during a drill Monday at The Pavilion at BRMC. And, Jennifer Frederick (center), The Pavlion’s assistant activities director, pretends to be a resident who’s dragged on a blanket to safety by Mandy Schleicher (left), CNA, and Melissa DeCasper, LPN.)
.jpg)
Comments