Photo credit: Facebook "Caught the Fire Bug"

Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, confirmed today of the safe evacuation of 53 patients and residents from the La Ronge Health Centre and care homes in the community, to 19 facilities throughout the province due to the evacuation order throughout the area, as a result of the wildfires.

The La Ronge Health Centre, including the emergency department, is now closed. While 911 access in the area is anticipated to be intermittent, emergency services remain available in La Ronge at the EMS base with five physicians and several nurses staying to help, and adjustments will be made as they continue to monitor. Emergency care is also available at the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.

The mandatory evacuation was called when conditions worsened, forcing a collaborative and organized effort involving the Saskatchewan Health Authority and partners who worked throughout the night and into the early morning. EMS providers from across the province, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Ministry of Health, the Canadian Red Cross, Saskatchewan Air Ambulance, STARS, Rise Air, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Medical Communications and Coordination Centers all contributed to the challenging effort. Elk Ridge Resort, served as a key staging area for ambulance coordination.