At 2:00 a.m. on March 28, Charleen Ward, Residential Care Assistant working the night shift at Victoria Park Guest House heard a strange popping sound. “I thought it was coming from a resident’s room. But when I went to investigate, I realized it was coming from outside. I looked outside and it was an ‘oh my gosh’ moment” said Ward.
“I saw the neighbours car on fire. In the short time it took me to grab the phone to call 911 the flames spread from the car up the steps of the house,” she said. Ward acted quickly, pulling the fire alarm, running up to the top floor and evacuating the residents.
“I evacuated the third floor first, thankfully all residents woke up by the time I got down to the first floor. I did a head count, gathered blankets and quickly led them out to my car,” said Ward. It took Ward only five minutes to wake all eight residents and safely evacuate them to her vehicle.
Ward called Corrine Garrison, Residential Care Assistant and Teena McCulloch, Team Leader. Less than ten minutes after receiving the call Garrison arrived on scene. “I missed her call, but when I saw it was from Charleen, I went straight to the house. Coming towards here it looked like it was our home on fire and my heart just sank,” said Garrison. “When I arrived we asked the crew on site if we could retrieve medications from inside the house. The police came in with us, we grabbed a laundry basket and threw everything we could in it. As we left the house sparks were flying from the neighbours house. It was a quick exit,” said Garrison.
Ward then made a call to her daughter—who happens to work at Dykeland Lodge—who informed the Charge RN, Krista Barker who notified Krista Beeler, Dykeland Lodge Administrator. Arrangements were implemented and coordinated for the evacuated residents of the Victoria Guest House to be received by Dykeland Lodge. By now Ward’s vehicle was blocked in by emergency vehicles and fire hoses. Fortunately, McCulloch arrived in time to help drive the vehicle out—running over a few curbs in the process. Ward, Garrison and McCulloch transported the residents to safety at Dykeland Lodge.
“We practice our emergency evacuation plan hoping that we never have to use it. Charleen handled it with calmness, professionalism and precision and did exactly what she was supposed to. She’s our hero!” said Sue Sheehy, Manager, Victoria Park Guest House.
Meanwhile, Beeler called Ed Sher, Director of Environmental Services, Carlene Cole-Beaver, Director of Food Services and Gabrielle Tullis, Director of Nursing. Sher and Cole-Beaver rushed to Dykeland Lodge, arrived within minutes of the call and started setting up beds for the residents. Dawn Power, Support Service Supervisor prepared her team to include food sensitivities and special instructions for the Victoria Guest House residents.
When the residents arrived in the middle of the night in their pajamas, no hearing aids and with limited mobility aids they were welcomed with open arms, to a warm bed to sleep on and a hot breakfast.
“Dykeland staff were right on the ball. They were amazing. Our staff felt they couldn’t be any more complimentary. They didn’t panic. We were all calm. Remaining calm helped the residents stay calm. The transition for the residents was simply amazing,” said Sheehy.
“Even though their staff were employed by Victoria Guest House we told them to consider us a part of their team and we would do whatever they needed to help” said Beeler. “It showed that our emergency plan did work. I think we barely spoke until we sat down and had a piece of toast together. Everyone was moving straight ahead with a smile on their face, happy to be here. It was a flawless execution”.
The following morning the evacuated residents attended church services at Dykeland Lodge. “Reverend Debbie Mosher and Garnett Parker did a special blessing on the residents and the fact that they were held safe. They both visit them quite regularly. Their familiar faces were an added comforting touch,” said Beeler. “The social piece was really big for us. When you watch the home next door to you burn it’s unsettling and upsetting. We wanted to remove that anxiety and restore normalcy to their day. Even their families came to visit too. They loved to see the residents integrated into the lodge”.
Within 36 hours from the time of the evacuation, Sheehy and McCulloch contacted all family members of the residents and made all the necessary arrangements to inspect and approve all Fire and Life Safety Systems in the house.
“The cooperation we received from all these folks to ensure all safety measures were in place to allow our residents to return to Victoria Park Guest House was heartwarming. Typically you wouldn’t have electricians and inspectors available on such short notice but they all did their part to ensure our residents could return home. They turned the power back on and all inspections and approvals were complete within 36 hours. It was a proud moment watching our residents return home” said Sheehy.
“We don’t want to forget about the role everyone played. It wasn’t just that everyone in the community did their professional jobs. We all went above and beyond as a community to make sure that everyone who was touched by this event felt supported” says Beeler. “It brings home the fact that life is precious and life is short but as a community, as humans, we can always take the time to outstretch a hand and help and recognize those who really do a great job”.
