APPLETON (NBC 26) — A chemical gas release prompted Ascension St. Elizabeth to call the fire department and move more than a dozen patients to other hospitals.
The hospital says it went into emergency response procedures at around 9: 00 a.m. Thursday after evidence of a chemical gas release was discovered in the northwest portion of the hospital.
Ascension St. Elizabeth staff called the Appleton Fire Department to check the air quality.
"Out of an abundance of caution and because the Emergency Department is in close proximity to the affected area, Gold Cross Ambulance Services transferred 13 patients to other local hospitals," the hospital said in a statement. "There was limited exposure to associates, who were immediately treated for minor symptoms and released. No serious injuries were reported."
Firefighters were able to fix the situation and manage the hospital's air quality. The hospital said it went back to normal operations at around 11:15 a.m.
“We would like to thank our associates, local authorities, and first responders for their professionalism in handling this event,” said Michael Bergmann, Regional Hospital President, Fox Valley, Ascension Wisconsin. “Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our associates and the patients and communities we are privileged to serve.”
