GREEN SPRINGS, Ohio — An HVAC failure at Spring Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation Center prompted a full-day, multi-agency emergency response Tuesday after indoor temperatures climbed into the low to mid-90s, according to a joint press release from Seneca County Emergency Services and responding agencies.
Green Springs Fire Department Chief Greg Lowe issued an Evacuation Order with the cooperation of facility administrator Deanna Turner. Many residents required complex medical care, including ventilator support and bariatric care, adding to the complexity of the response.
Emergency crews working alongside Medical Direction Physician Dr. Jordan Singer of University Hospitals provided on-site medical evaluation and treatment while incident command established a nearby cooling center where residents could shelter in a climate-controlled environment.
A number of ventilator-dependent and bariatric residents were transported to Bellevue Hospital for inpatient care and continued monitoring. Crews also coordinated with vendors to bring in mobile generators and portable air conditioning units as part of mitigation efforts at the facility.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. The majority of residents returned to the facility by approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday, and emergency officials said regional EMS and fire response coverage was not disrupted during the event.
The incident command team included Seneca County Emergency Services, Sandusky County Emergency Management Agency, Green Springs Fire Department, and Green Springs Police Department. More than 30 additional agencies provided mutual aid, including Tiffin and Fostoria fire departments, University Hospitals, MetroHealth Hospital, Firelands Regional Medical Center, and several county health departments and EMS services across north-central Ohio.
