Emergency department flooding is rare, but when it happens, the impact on patient care, safety and operations is immediate. In moments like these, preparation matters, but nursing leadership and teamwork make the difference.
When a water sprinkler pipe malfunctioned, resulting in gallons of water flooding Rush’s primary high acuity emergency department, or ED, patient care area, nurses were among the first to respond, assessing the situation and taking action to protect patients, staff and the continuity of care
Within 45 minutes of the pipe burst, ED leadership and the charge nurse activated the alternative care unit space. High-acuity patients were moved out of the impacted care area to adjacent locations, while lower-acuity patients were moved to the alternative care area, ensuring every patient continued to receive timely care. This rapid response allowed clinical assessments and treatment to continue.
While patients were being moved, staff strategically placed linen carts and the blankets in them to divert water — acting as makeshift retaining walls to prevent flooding from spreading into care pods or patient rooms. This quick response bought critical time and minimized disruptions.
What began as an emergency response evolved into sustained operations. For one week the ED team stood up and managed alternative care space outside of the EDs walls to manage patient care as if this location was another care area of the ED. During that time, nurses cared for 167 patients in the temporary space while maintaining the same standards of safety, efficiency, and compassionate care that are expected.
The event highlighted the leadership, collaboration and adaptability of ED nurses. Their ability to protect patient safety while adapting to the emergency shows how they lead with confidence and remain committed to patient care.