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

Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families

Designers who can incorporate distractions into pediatric healthcare facilities can help children and families successfully navigate healthcare journeys.


Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies

Labor shortages and health system consolidation are driving new approaches to outpatient facility planning.


Adams Health Network Falls Victim to Phishing Attack

Adams Health Network does not have any evidence that the attacker was seeking patient information.


Ventilation and Filtering for Infection ControlĀ 

Poor IAQ can be deadly in healthcare facilities, so maintaining proper air conditioning and filter systems is key in controlling the spread of infection.


ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital

The hospital is expected to care for approximately 15,000 patients each year.


 
 


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.