A terrible tragedy has occurred in New South Wales this morning, where a fire has broken out around 5 am in a nursing home which houses some 100 residents. I have watched some of the footage on Channel 9 News this morning, where representatives of Fire, Police and Ambulance services have detailed what is know so far. Still residents are being transported to hospitals in the area - with 100 residents it would be an enormous task.
The number of nursing staff on duty at that hour of day would be minimal, and from all accounts Fire Brigades were present within 6 minutes of the alarms going off (local fire station was close by) and the firies had a terrible job of trying to find their way through the smoke filled rooms where visibility was nil, to rescue those inside.
It is one of the nightmares of working in these facilities, especially at night, as there are limited staff, residents in bed and most certainly not mobile enough to get themselves out safely.
From all accounts so far, it has been a quick and efficient rescue of residents, though sadly some have already died, and no doubt some elderly in hospital with burns or smoke inhalation will have some challenges in the immediate future.
My heart goes out to all involved in this tragedy, especially the nursing staff on duty at the time. It certainly is one of the worst nightmares.
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