In response to two convicted killers breaking out of a maximum-security prison in upstate New York, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, N.Y., created a plan to care for the fugitives or anyone involved in the manhunt, according to the Press-Republican.
CVPH officials — including physicians and staff from the emergency room, facilities, security, marketing and leadership teams — met with the Plattsburgh City Police Department after convicts Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y., located roughly 25 miles west of Plattsburgh, on June 6.
Together, they discussed the various roles hospital departments would assume if the escapees were brought to the facility, as well as plans for handling an influx of search team members requiring emergency medical treatment.
Hospital spokesperson Chris Blake told the Press-Republican that, in either case, the CVPH emergency room would remain open to the public, but "security certainly would be heightened."
Ms. Blake says she is confident CVPH could safely contain the criminals should they be admitted for treatment and treat whatever injuries may result from the manhunt or a possible standoff between the authorities and convicts.
As of Sunday, the hospital has seen just one patient from among the searchers — a corrections officer who was treated for dehydration, according to the report.
CVPH isn't the only organization in the area taking precautions; the Morrisonville (N.Y.) Schuyler Falls Volunteer Ambulance Service also has a 24-hour, advanced-life-support crew stationed near the search area at the Cadyville (N.Y.) Fire Station.