Madrid Health Service Responds to Wildfire Crisis
Madrid has been facing a significant health crisis following a devastating fire in the western mountains. As of July 27, the Madrid Health Service (Sermas) had registered over 1,300 health care services for those affected. While three health centers reopened their doors to the community, the health center in Valdemaqueda closed again due to evacuations.
Health Center Operations
The reopened health centers include:
- Villa del Prado
- San Martín de Valdeiglesias
- Pelayos de la Presa
The Continuing Care Points (PAC) in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias have resumed regular operations. However, services have been curtailed in evacuated areas.
Nature of Health Care Services
Out of the total assistances:
- 285 were in Primary Care emergencies
- 217 occurred in hospitals, primarily addressing respiratory issues
- Only 30 people were treated in reception centers
Among the hospital visits, there were 18 admissions, but thankfully, none of the cases were serious.
Emergency Services Mobilization
The Medical Emergency Service of the Community of Madrid (SUMMA 112) has significantly ramped up its operations, providing:
- 216 services at health points
- 36 hospital transfers
- 529 services related to evacuations
To manage these operations effectively, more than 380 medical professionals were deployed, including 10 Advanced Life Support teams, 45 Basic Life Support teams, and 24 special resources (psychologists, coordinators, etc.). Additionally, 92 Non-Urgent Health Transport ambulances were assigned for evacuations from various residential locations.
Hospital and Bed Availability
In case of further emergencies, there are over 800 hospital beds available across the region. Currently, 29 beds are occupied at the Doctor Rodríguez Lafora Hospital, where patients from a mental health residency in Robledo de Chavela were relocated recently.
The Isabel Zendal Hospital remains operational as an emergency center, accommodating 241 hospitalization beds and 12 ICU beds. Pavilion 1 of this facility is prepared for triage and expansion of care if needed.
Coordination of Health Services
Healthcare professionals from facilities in evacuated areas are offering support to nearby health centers and those serving as temporary clinics in sports centers.
Medication Delivery for Confined Residents
In collaboration with the College of Pharmacists of Madrid (COFM), the health service has implemented special procedures to ensure home delivery of medications for residents in confined municipalities. This is particularly critical for chronic and vulnerable patients.
Additionally, a separate system is in place to supply medications for evacuees located in sports centers and shelters. Since the initiative started, 19 on-call pharmacies have been active in affected municipalities, along with four additional pharmacies in confined areas.
Addressing Air Quality Concerns
The General Directorate of Public Health is actively maintaining an Action Plan for managing air quality issues in the impacted municipalities, ensuring that residents are informed about potential health risks associated with poor air quality.
Madrid’s coordinated response to the wildfire demonstrates the commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive healthcare services and community support in times of crisis.