A fire at Athalassa psychiatric hospital was allegedly caused by a patient setting his mattress on fire, resulting in his ICU admission and prompting the evacuation of the ward. Nurses bravely assisted in the evacuation, and investigations are currently underway to determine the cause and address concerns over patient safety protocols.
What was the cause and impact of the fire at Athalassa psychiatric hospital?
The fire at Athalassa psychiatric hospital was caused by a 47-year-old patient who allegedly set his mattress on fire, leading to life-threatening injuries and his ICU admission. The blaze prompted the evacuation of the ward, with nurses heroically assisting patients to safety. Investigations are underway, and the incident has raised concerns over patient safety protocols.
Immediate Aftermath of the Blaze
A serious fire incident occurred at Athalassa psychiatric hospital when a 47-year-old patient allegedly set his mattress alight. This patient is now battling life-threatening injuries in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Nicosia General Hospital. The fire quickly spread to an entire ward, causing an immediate evacuation of all patients present in the vicinity.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
During the scramble to control the situation on Thursday evening, three courageous nurses managed to gain entry into the ward through a balcony door—the only accessible route at the time. Their swift action facilitated the evacuation of patients to safety, after which the individuals were transported via ambulance to Nicosia General.
Addressing the Incident
The hospital’s spokesperson, Pambos Charilaou, provided insight into the circumstances that led to the fire. He explained that the 47-year-old was in a transitional room, designated for patients nearing their release. It is in these spaces that some individuals are permitted to use matches for limited periods, mostly to facilitate smoking. This protocol is now under scrutiny as it may have unintentionally been the catalyst for the fire.
Hospitalisation and Treatment
The suspected arsonist was not the only casualty; another patient from Athalassa was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory complications resulting from the smoke. The trio of nurses who executed the rescue also required medical attention but were subsequently released after receiving treatment.
Commendations and Investigations
In the aftermath, the Public Workers’ Union expressed profound gratitude to the nursing staff, not only for their bravery but their dedication during the crisis. Investigations into the cause and handling of the fire have commenced, conducted by the fire services and police force. Due to structural damage, 25 patients from the affected wing have been relocated to other parts of the hospital.
As the investigation continues, the community and the hospital are left to consider the implications of such incidents on patient safety and facility security. The hospital’s immediate focus, however, remains on the recovery of those harmed in the fire and the restoration of normalcy for the displaced patients.
Quick Recap
- A fire at Athalassa psychiatric hospital was allegedly caused by a patient setting his mattress on fire, resulting in his ICU admission and prompting the evacuation of the ward.
- Nurses bravely assisted in the evacuation, and investigations are currently underway to determine the cause and address concerns over patient safety protocols.
- The fire quickly spread to an entire ward, causing an immediate evacuation of all patients present in the vicinity.
- Three courageous nurses managed to gain entry into the ward through a balcony door—the only accessible route at the time—and facilitated the evacuation of patients to safety.
- Investigations into the cause and handling of the fire have commenced, conducted by the fire services and police force.
