Nurses and Medical Workers Race to Protect Elderly Patients During CA Wildfires

Earlier this week, nursing homes in Los Angeles County faced a harrowing reality as wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds swept through the region. With thick smoke filling the air and embers falling like fiery snow, caregivers scrambled to evacuate vulnerable residents to safety.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, warning that the worst might still be ahead. "This is a highly dangerous windstorm that’s creating extreme fire risk — and we’re not out of the woods," he cautioned.

Wildfires in Los Angeles: Nursing Homes and Clinic Resources

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have pushed some healthcare facilities and nursing homes to their limits. With hurricane-force winds fueling the flames and smoke choking the air, the situation has left caregivers scrambling to ensure patient safety while battling logistical nightmares and resource shortages.

Nursing Homes Face Harrowing Evacuations

As flames closed in, nursing homes across the region rushed to evacuate residents to the Pasadena Civic Center and other temporary shelters. But once evacuees arrived, it became clear the system was unprepared for the level of care required.

Dr. Laura Mosqueda, a geriatric care expert from USC, described the challenges at the Pasadena Civic Center: “We didn’t have any PPE. People with catheters and diapers needed help, but there were no supplies to empty bags or change them.” Residents arrived in ash-covered gowns, some barefoot, with little more than what they had on during the evacuation.

Adding to the chaos, cots were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis rather than prioritizing those with medical needs. Many seniors sat upright for hours, putting them at risk of pressure ulcers. Rows of gurneys filled the hallways as ambulances dropped off more residents, some at high risk for falls, who were left unattended.

Local Officials Forced to Adapt

Pasadena officials admitted the Civic Center was not equipped to handle the medical needs of displaced nursing home residents. “It was never intended to be a medical shelter,” said Manuel Carmona, acting director of Pasadena Public Health. “But the lack of available beds in long-term care facilities left us no choice.”

The concentration of nursing homes in Northwest Pasadena added to the logistical challenges, stretching resources thin. Despite the best efforts of caregivers and healthcare professionals, the night exposed critical gaps in disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations.

Impact on Hospitals and Clinics

The wildfires have also significantly disrupted hospitals and outpatient clinics. While most hospitals remain operational, several clinics have closed due to proximity to the fires, evacuation orders, or power outages.

Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest health systems in the region, has postponed non-urgent surgeries and temporarily closed outpatient offices in evacuation zones, including Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Pasadena. “We’re looking out for patients in greatest need as we confront extraordinary and fast-moving conditions,” the health system said.

UCLA Health has closed clinics in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica but continues to operate its hospitals and most of its 280 outpatient locations. The health system is encouraging patients to use telehealth services whenever possible to reduce strain on emergency rooms.

Kaiser Permanente has also closed several clinics but is maintaining hospital operations. The system is monitoring conditions closely, advising patients to check for updates before visiting facilities. The clinics that are currently closed include, 

• Canyon Country Medical Offices
• Pasadena Medical Offices
• Pasadena Vision Essentials
• Rosemead Target Clinic
• Santa Monica Medical Offices
• Santa Monica Behavioral Health 
• Sylmar Medical Offices 

Adventist Health, City of Hope, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have also made adjustments, ranging from clinic closures to postponing elective surgeries.

Smoke and Air Quality Create Additional Health Risks

As the wildfires rage, air quality across Los Angeles County has plummeted, creating additional challenges for residents with respiratory conditions. Cedars-Sinai reported an uptick in patients seeking care for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.

Dr. Isabel Pedraza, director of the medical intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai, emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations. “We want to ensure that our patients have access to care when they most need it,” she said.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use fans or air purifiers to maintain indoor air quality. For those unable to leave high-risk areas, local health systems are ramping up telemedicine options to provide virtual care.

Lessons in Preparedness

This crisis has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly for healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations like seniors. Nursing homes and hospitals are required to have detailed disaster plans, but the events of this week revealed gaps that need urgent attention.

Rachel Tate, vice president of ombudsman services at Wise & Healthy Aging, stressed the need for better coordination between nursing homes and emergency services. “We need to ensure residents have access to care and support during evacuations, not just a place to sit and wait,” she said.

Healthcare providers are also emphasizing the need for regular disaster drills and staff training. “You can’t wait until the last minute,” said Stan Szpytek, a disaster planning consultant. “When it happens, you need a framework in place to manage it.”

Moving Forward

As Los Angeles County battles the ongoing wildfires, healthcare systems and nursing homes are working tirelessly to protect patients and staff. The immediate focus remains on ensuring safety and continuity of care, but the long-term recovery will require significant effort.

From addressing respiratory issues caused by smoke exposure to managing the mental health impacts of displacement and trauma, the region’s healthcare providers face a daunting road ahead. Rebuilding infrastructure, restoring operations, and improving disaster preparedness will be critical in the weeks and months to come.

For now, nurses, caregivers, and healthcare workers continue to serve on the front lines, demonstrating resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. Their dedication ensures that, even in the darkest moments, the most vulnerable members of our community are not forgotten.