Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health activated systemwide emergency operations Feb. 4 to manage a large-scale carbon monoxide exposure at Milligan (Tenn.) University.
Ballad Health received more than 300 patients across seven hospitals following the discovery of a carbon monoxide leak in a campus building the morning of Feb. 4. As of 9:45 p.m. ET, nearly half had been evaluated and discharged, with a small number remaining under observation or receiving care.
“Most individuals experienced mild or minimal symptoms requiring precautionary monitoring only, while a limited number required additional care, including oxygen therapy and extended observation,” the system said in a Feb. 4 update shared with Becker’s.
Ballad Health activated its Corporate Emergency Operations Center through Feb. 9 to manage surge response, align clinical resources and support hospital operations systemwide. The system also deployed an emergency medicine physician and registered nurse to Milligan University to aid with on-site triaging and care coordination.
Ballad Health extends its sincere appreciation to Milligan University President Dr. Stephen Waers, its faculty, staff, students and campus community, as well as local emergency first responders, public safety partners and Tennessee Poison Control for their coordination and collaboration. This incident underscores the importance of regional preparedness and unified response. Ballad Health also thanks its team members and caregivers, whose professionalism and teamwork ensured every patient received the right care, at the right place, at the right time.
“Through a coordinated, regionwide effort across seven hospitals, Ballad Health evaluated and treated more than 300 individuals, representing the largest single mass casualty emergency medical response incident in the region’s history, with no fatalities,” the system said in a Feb. 9 statement. “This response demonstrated the strength of an integrated health system working in close partnership with Milligan University, emergency responders and community partners to deliver timely, appropriate care at scale.”
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.