Fire in a healthcare facility
In March 2024, a deliberate fire was set inside an in-patient room in a healthcare facility in Newfoundland. The glow of the fire could be seen from under the door, but the patient was barricaded in the restroom.
Without hesitation, Shift Lead Aaron Dowden grabbed a fire extinguisher, while Security Officer David Murphy safely breached the room. Security Officers David Murphy, Christian Murphy-King, Gideon Nyame and Shift Lead Benjamin Fitzpatrick retrieved the patient from the restroom.
At the same time, Shift Lead Dowden discharged the fire extinguisher in an effort to reduce the flames and rescue the patient. Officer Murphy-King supported Dowden by continuing to extinguish the embers. All five of the team members continued to evacuate the 17 remaining patients and staff out of the unit pending the fire crew’s arrival.
The team successfully deployed their Fire Marshall training to breach the door, reduce the blaze and rescue a trapped patient, as well as the other patients and staff in the facility.
Thank you, team!
Canadian Security Lifesaver Association®