As the Palisades Fire incident continues to impact the region, with a reported fatality, the focus has intensified on medical responses to address fire-related injuries. Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, alongside other local medical facilities such as UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, remains open and fully operational to serve the community during this critical time.
UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center confirmed its operational status, with Senior Director of Communications Phil Hampton stating no power disruptions have affected their services this week. Across UCLA Health hospitals, approximately 30 patients have been treated for injuries stemming from the various fires across Los Angeles County. These injuries primarily consist of smoke inhalation and burns, with the vast majority of patients receiving treatment and being discharged. This highlights the immediate healthcare needs arising from such widespread fires and the capacity of local hospitals to respond effectively.
Providence hospitals, including Providence Saint John’s Santa Monica, are also maintaining their services. While some outpatient services, such as doctors’ offices, may be temporarily closed, it is advised that individuals with scheduled appointments should contact their offices beforehand to confirm their operational status. The staff at Providence Saint John’s has expressed solidarity with those affected by the fires, emphasizing public safety measures through social media channels.
The concern over smoke inhalation and deteriorating air quality is widespread among medical professionals throughout the county, including at Cedars-Sinai Lung Clinics. Pulmonologists at Cedars-Sinai have proactively increased their availability to accommodate the potential rise in patients experiencing respiratory issues. Dr. Isabel F. Pedraza, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai, noted that individuals with pre-existing airway conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and asthma are particularly vulnerable to worsened symptoms due to wildfire pollutants. Ensuring patient access to timely care is a priority during these events.
Dr. Pedraza advises that to mitigate exposure to smoke and fire debris, individuals should remain indoors whenever possible, keeping windows closed. Additional recommendations include avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, utilizing fans for cooling, wearing N95 masks when venturing outdoors, and ensuring access to necessary respiratory medications. Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care also remains accessible to support patients, with further details available on their website.
Currently, the county has reported six fatalities related to the ongoing fires as of Thursday afternoon. The commitment of hospitals like Providence St. John’s Santa Monica and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center to remain open and provide care is crucial in managing the health impacts of the Palisades Fire and other concurrent fires in the region.
