Incident # 24-05334 - Multiple Fire-Rescue Units assisted at Colleton Medical Center Saturday 13-July. Late in the evening Friday the hospital's A/C system failed. CMC initiated their emergency plans and additional staff responded to resolve the problem working through the night and early morning. At 07:30 they requested fans while the maintenance staff worked on the large A/C units. Fire-Rescue rounded up over a dozen high capacity fans, while the hospital staff purchased additional fans locally. Stand alone A/C units were also obtained to be placed throughout the facility. Fire-Rescue set up a mobile 2-1/2 ton A/C unit outside the ED in an effort to cool the Emergency Dept. The unit is part of a mobile vaccination trailer stored at Station 32. As the morning progressed, it was apparent the problem would not be quickly resolved and the Hospital Management made the decision to relocate the patients to other facilities. Fire-Rescue sent three ambulances and joined several private ambulance providers, as well as Dorchester County EMS in transferring all of the patients to Charleston area hospitals. All of the patients were safely transferred by evening. The Hospital staff really stepped up and professionally handled the situation. Placing the patient's safety above all else, the staff worked quickly to continue the care and place the patients in nearby medical facilities. Most of the hospital has remained closed, except for the Emergency Dept., which is open to care for emergency walk-in patients. The hospital management and staff have been on site working diligently to reopen the medical center. Fire-Rescue ambulances have been transporting patients out of the county for the last three days.
