Huntington Hospital Restores Services As Staff Navigate Fire Crisis

Huntington Hospital has resumed most medical services despite widespread impacts from recent wildfires that affected approximately 2,500 employees – almost 50% of its workforce. The restoration of services ensures continued healthcare access for the community while the organization supports staff members facing personal losses and evacuations.

“My heart is with our beloved community, and I know many of you are still reeling from these devastating fires,” said Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health. “First, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the tireless work of firefighters, police, and emergency responders working day and night to protect our community.”

The hospital maintained emergency and inpatient care throughout the crisis, and has now reopened nearly all community physician offices, urgent care facilities, and imaging centers. Surgical procedures have resumed both at the main hospital and outpatient surgery center.

Morgan praised the dedication of staff members who continued serving patients despite facing significant personal challenges. “Our incredibly devoted employees and physicians at Huntington Health continue their work caring for the community, 24/7, despite the loss of their own homes, evacuations and extreme stress caused by this disaster,” she said.

The hospital administration is prioritizing support for affected staff while maintaining its focus on community health needs, particularly related to air quality concerns. “We are doing everything we can to help support our Huntington Family and help them navigate through this crisis,” Morgan added.

Daryl Banta, MD, pulmonologist and medical director of pulmonology and critical care, Huntington Health, shared important information about air quality issues caused by wind and smoke throughout Pasadena and Los Angeles, including:

1. Follow evacuations orders. Evacuation orders indicate an immediate threat to life. If emergency management representatives tell you to evacuate, gather important items and travel to a safe location away from the affected area.

2. Organize a fire safety plan. Gather everyone in your household and walk them through your plan for safety.

3. Check local air quality. Use your weather application to determine the Air Quality Index (AQI). An AQI more than 101 indicates dangerous levels in sensitive groups.

4. Stay indoors. If you can shelter at home, make sure to close all your windows and doors. You do not want to let any outside smoke enter your home. You should turn on your air conditioner if you have one. Make sure you keep the fresh air intake closed and allow air to re-circulate in your home. Make sure to change your air filter if it has not been changed recently.

5. Avoid any strenuous activities if you have medical conditions including chronic heart or lung disease.Exposure to smoke and unhealthy air could potentially increase risk for stroke and heart attacks.

6. Wear a mask. If outdoor activities are essential during particularly smoky or poor air conditions, an N95 mask with proper fitting is recommended.

7. Get early medical attention. Exposure to unhealthy air and smoke is harmful. If you experience severe cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness or confusion after smoke exposure, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may worsen over time depending on the amount of exposure.

As the wildfires continue to burn, Huntington Health will be providing additional health-related information to our community. For a list of up-to-date resources, please go to: Wildfire Community Resources | Huntington Hospital. To find Huntington Health care locations, visit: https://www.huntingtonhealth.org/locations/