Crothall EVS Team’s Heroic Response prevents Hospital Flood Disaster in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA – A Dedicated Environmental Services (EVS) team from Crothall played a crucial role in averting a potential disaster at Allegheny General Hospital On December 4, 2024, when a major water main break threatened to cripple operations. The quick and effective response of the team ensured minimal disruption to patient care, highlighting the importance of EVS personnel in emergency situations.
Rapid Response Minimizes Disruption
At approximately 5 A.M., a water main ruptured, unleashing over 1,000,000 gallons of water that flooded multiple buildings within the Allegheny General Hospital campus.Twelve Crothall EVS floor technicians immediately sprang into action, preventing widespread damage and allowing the hospital to continue operating smoothly. Only some outpatient services needed temporary relocation thanks to their efforts.
Erik Brown, The EVS Director at Allegheny General explained, “Our 12 day-shift floor technicians grabbed their machines and quickly moved to every place the water was flooding the buildings. They worked their entire shift to prevent water from damaging offices, exam rooms, suites, elevators, and other space in the hospital.”
Containment and Cleanup Efforts
For approximately seven hours, water surged into the hospital. The EVS technicians, equipped with auto scrubbers, wet vacuums, squeegees, and other specialized gear, worked tirelessly to divert the water away from critical patient and visitor areas. This initial response was followed by a comprehensive cleanup effort involving housekeepers and floor technicians across all three shifts, continuing for seven days.
Brown estimates that the team collectively dedicated around 250 hours, including pulling staff from their regular duties and incurring overtime, to completely resolve the issue. After the water removal, the team scrubbed and burnished the floors, while housekeepers disinfected and cleaned the affected areas.
Did You No? According to a recent study published in the *American journal of Infection Control*, effective environmental cleaning can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by up to 20%. Learn More
hospital Leadership Expresses Gratitude
The hospital’s leadership team expressed profound gratitude for the crothall team’s swift and effective response. “The hospital’s leadership team was extremely grateful for our response to the flood and our ability to contain the water without affecting patient services,” Brown stated. “I Believe it demonstrated how much value we can provide during an emergency, and it increased their level of confidence in our capabilities.”
In recognition of their outstanding service, the first-shift floor technicians were honored as Employees of the Month for December 2024. The recognized team members include Cody K, Donald W, Guna S, Damar R, justin G, Jesse M, Alex Z, Deron G, Dawn O, Walt Z, and Deion H.
From left to right:
Back – Cody K, donald W, Guna S, Damar R, Justin G, Jesse M, Alex Z
Front – Deron G, Dawn O, Walt Z
Sitting – Deion H
The Vital Role of EVS Teams in Hospitals
Environmental Services teams are crucial for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment within healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities extend beyond routine cleaning to include:
- Infection prevention and control.
- waste management and disposal.
- Emergency response and cleanup.
- Maintaining hygiene standards to protect patients and staff.
Pro Tip: Hospitals can enhance their emergency preparedness by conducting regular drills and training sessions for their EVS teams,ensuring they are ready to respond effectively to any crisis.
comparing Emergency response Teams
| Team Type | Typical Responsibilities | key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| EVS Team | Flood cleanup, disinfection, waste removal | Rapid response, equipment operation, infection control |
| Medical Team | Patient care, emergency treatment | Clinical expertise, critical thinking |
| Security Team | Crowd control, security management | Communication, conflict resolution |
what measures do you think hospitals should take to better prepare for unforeseen emergencies? How can technology improve the responsiveness of EVS teams in critical situations?
The Growing Importance of Hospital Environmental Services
The role of hospital Environmental Services (EVS) has evolved significantly over the past decade. Once viewed primarily as a cleaning function, EVS is now recognized as a critical component of patient safety and infection control. Recent data indicates a direct correlation between effective EVS practices and reduced hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
As healthcare facilities strive to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs, the strategic importance of EVS continues to grow. investments in advanced cleaning technologies and enhanced training programs for EVS staff are becoming increasingly common.These investments not only improve cleanliness but also boost staff morale and contribute to a safer, healthier environment for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital Environmental Services
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What is the primary role of an Environmental Services (EVS) team in a hospital?
The EVS team is responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, preventing the spread of infections, and ensuring patient and staff safety.
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How does effective environmental cleaning impact patient outcomes?
Effective cleaning practices reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (hais), leading to improved patient recovery rates and shorter hospital stays.
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What types of training do EVS staff typically receive?
EVS staff receive training in infection control, proper cleaning techniques, waste management, and the use of specialized cleaning equipment.
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How do hospitals measure the effectiveness of their EVS programs?
Hospitals use various metrics, including infection rates, patient satisfaction scores, and regular audits of cleaning practices, to assess EVS program effectiveness.
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What advanced technologies are used in hospital environmental services?
Advanced technologies include automated cleaning robots, UV disinfection systems, and real-time monitoring platforms to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
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