From the WTF Watch Desk: Dozens of Pennsylvania fire, EMS, police and hospital teams are being honored for evacuating more than 70 patients, including acute and intensive-care patients, during a February fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City while firefighters contained extension from an attached orthopedic center.
Why this deserves the fire service’s attention
A hospital evacuation is a regional systems test: fire control, patient tracking, clinical continuity, transport capacity, receiving facilities and unified command all have to work at the same time.
What Worked?
What Didn’t Work?
What Was Missed?
This report reflects information available on October 12, 2026. Developing items will be updated when official information changes.