One Dead in Fire in Hospital

Officials investigating whether defibrillator being used ignited something in room

By Dan Hounsell


While fire safety is a top priority in all types of institutional and commercial facilities, healthcare settings present facility managers with an added level of potential fire-related safety threats to occupants.

Houston police are investigating the death of a patient at a Kingwood hospital after she was badly burned in a fire as medical staff used a defibrillator on her, according to ABC 13. Denise Jill Asaro, 69 died at the hospital, where she was being treated for COVID-19.

Hospitalized on the fifth floor of the North Tower at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Asaro was being resuscitated with a defibrillator when something caught fire and caused a small explosion. Officials are investigating whether the defibrillator being used ignited something in the room. They were also looking into the presence of an open medical oxygen tank as a possible factor.



July 7, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design

How a 20th Century industrial building became a safe space for youth seeking mental health support.


Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health

Following the close, expected November 1, 2026, the centers will operate under Prisma Health Urgent Care.


Modoc Medical Center Discloses Data Breach

Modoc reported the event to federal law enforcement and appropriate government regulators.


Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.