When a Water Fundamental Burst, EVS Ground Technicians Saved Allegheny Common Hospital from Catastrophe

When a water fundamental broke at 5 a.m. and launched over 1,000,000 gallons of water, flooding a number of hospital buildings, Crothall’s devoted EVS group jumped into motion. 

The flooding occurred at Allegheny Common Hospital in Pittsburgh on Dec. 4, 2024 However because of 12 Crothall EVS ground technicians, the hospital continued to function as regular, solely needing to relocate some outpatient providers. And since the Crothall group preserved loads of protected area for affected person care, there was little delay in affected person providers. 

“Our 12 day-shift ground technicians grabbed their machines and shortly moved to each place the water was flooding the buildings,” stated Erik Brown, the EVS Director at Allegheny Common. “They labored their complete shift to forestall water from damaging workplaces, examination rooms, suites, elevators, and different area within the hospital.” 

The water flowed into the hospital for roughly seven hours. However geared up with auto scrubbers, moist vacuums, squeegees, and different flood gear, the ground technicians redirected the water away from affected person and customer areas. Mixed with housekeepers and ground techs on all 3 shifts, they continued to take away water and waste for the subsequent seven days. 

Brown estimates that, collectively, they labored about 250 hours over seven days, pulling individuals from regular work areas and with additional time, to complete the job. After eradicating the water, they scrubbed and burnished the flooring whereas most housekeepers adopted up by disinfecting and cleansing the constructing. 

“The hospital’s management group was extraordinarily grateful for our response to the flood and our capacity to include the water with out affecting affected person providers,” stated Brown. “I imagine IT demonstrated how a lot worth we are able to present throughout an emergency, and IT elevated their degree of confidence in our capabilities.” 

The hospital acknowledged the first-shift ground technicians because the Staff of the Month for December 2024. They embrace Cody Ok, Donald W, Guna S, Damar R, Justin G, Jesse M, Alex Z, Deron G, Daybreak O, Walt Z, and Deion H. 

From left to proper: 

Again – Cody Ok, Donald W, Guna S, Damar R, Justin G, Jesse M, Alex Z 

Entrance – Deron G, Daybreak O, Walt Z 

Sitting – Deion H