When doctors and nurses work around the clock, they need a stable environment to treat patients. So when a hospital’s ventilation is interrupted, it’s not just a nuisance. It’s mission critical. 

That was the case in December 2019 at a major trauma center in the Southeast. The hospital’s HVAC and chiller systems failed, resulting in massive flooding and mechanical system outages across its intensive care and emergency departments. 

We were notified at 10 p.m., and right away, we learned just how serious the outage was. To protect patients, we would have to supply a temporary AC/heat pump unit to each occupied room. All in all, the hospital needed at least 120 units on site immediately. 

The solution required an all-hands-on-deck response, so we engaged two local branches of our Climate Control team to ready their equipment. By 2 a.m., the plan was mobilized, and we delivered 50 units, with the rest on site by 6 a.m. 

Then, we went to work on installation. Room by room, we connected a duct to each unit and connected it to the ceiling grid. Within hours, the equipment was up and running, providing comfortable air to patients and staff. 

Once our system was in place, we kept a technician on site to troubleshoot as needed. Over the next three days, the hospital was able to carry on with limited operations until a permanent solution could be identified. 

Most of all, the hospital was grateful for our commitment to safety, even while working through the night. Thanks to our speedy solution and professionalism, the hospital was able to stay focused on its mission: saving lives.