Intermountain Cedar City Hospital Honored for Response to 2023 Flooding
Two Intermountain Cedar City Hospital caregivers were recognized for the “Response of the Year” by the Utah Emergency Management Association for their quick response, community collaboration and ability to mobilize from last year’s extreme flooding.
In August of 2023 Cedar City Hospital was seriously impaired by flooding, and Emergency Management Program Coordinator Jody Johnson and Infusion Center Nurse Manager Tom Giles helped lead the response to keep the facility open to treat patients.
“Their dedication made it possible for residents to continually receive medical care close to home instead of having to travel St. George or Salt Lake City. Their leadership during response and recovery defines commitment to community and service above self,” said Julianne Ehlers, Intermountain Emergency Management Program Coordinator for Primary Children’s Hospital at Lehi.
The emergency department, cancer center, and several other patient care areas were impacted by flood waters. To keep the hospital operational, caregivers responded quickly with solutions while Johnson, in his role as the Emergency Management Program Coordinator, worked with local first responders for community responses.
“As the Emergency Management Coordinator, you plan for disasters with the hope that no one has to experience a disaster, but the day disaster struck, it didn’t take long before the heavy rain found its way into the building,” said Johnson.
Caregivers and community volunteers spent two days filling and distributing sandbags around the hospital. Other recovery efforts included digging trenches to redirect flood waters and preparing for threats of more rain.
One of the larger patient care areas affected by the flood was the Cancer Center and Infusion Center. Giles realized they needed to find a way to provide ongoing critical care to their cancer patients. He moved equipment, materials and team to the hospital’s conference center, typically used for meetings and educational purposes.
“What was so amazing was that Tom and his team adjusted and relocated our cancer and infusion department so that zero patients in our community had to leave the community for cancer and infusion services,” said Travis Fullmer, Cedar City Hospital Nurse Administrator.
The UEMA Governing Board celebrated the leadership of Johnson and Giles, and the hospital caregivers, at their annual UEMA awards ceremony by stating, “Your exceptional response to the 2023 flooding incident has not gone unnoticed, and it is our honor to recognize your outstanding service. The Governing Board of UEMA believes your unwavering dedication exemplifies the spirit of excellence that we aim to celebrate through this award.”
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