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Hundreds Evacuated From NYC Hospital

Backup generator fails at NYU Tisch

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 30, 2012 1:53 AM CDT

(AP) – As superstorm Sandy lashed New York City, a New York University hospital had to move out more than 200 patients after its backup generator failed when the power was knocked out. Dozens of ambulances lined up outside NYU Tisch Hospital last night as doctors and nurses began the slow process of taking people out.

They started with the sickest and youngest, including 20 babies from neonatal intensive care. Some were on respirators operating on battery power. NYU Medical Dean Robert Grossman says some of the patients are being treated for cancer and other serious illnesses. He says they have to be carefully carried down staircases because the elevators don't work without power. The patients are being transferred to other hospitals in the area.

Ambulances wait outside New York University Tisch Hospital Monday night.
Ambulances wait outside New York University Tisch Hospital Monday night.   (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Medical workers assist a patient into an ambulance during an evacuation of New York University's Tisch Hospital Monday night.
Medical workers assist a patient into an ambulance during an evacuation of New York University's Tisch Hospital Monday night.   (AP Photo/ John Minchillo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 3 comments
gomer99
Oct 30, 2012 12:52 PM CDT
Anybody know if this hospital was as stooooopid as the Fukishima plant and put the generators IN THE BASEMENT ?
RidersOnTheStorm
Oct 30, 2012 6:15 AM CDT
Ridiculous that the backup generator failed - it's supposed to kick in within 5 seconds of power failure and should be tested and run annually with simulated power failure. Result - having to evacuate vulnerable patients down the stairs using the same techniques as mountaineers with casualty.

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