A Swiss hospital, nestled in the Alps, known for treating skiing accident victims, recently faced a different kind of emergency. A fire ripped through a bar in Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, leaving many young people with severe burns.
The regional hospital in Sion received dozens of injured, mostly teenagers and young adults. Dr. Eric Bonvin, the hospital’s director, noted the severity of the burns and the long treatment ahead, but expressed optimism due to the patients’ youth.
Hospital staff quickly assessed injuries, with off-duty personnel volunteering their time. The injured suffered burns of varying degrees, including to their airways from smoke and heat inhalation.
Despite the holiday season, the hospital was adequately staffed due to the high volume of tourists and associated accidents in the Alpine region. The influx of approximately 80 seriously injured individuals within three hours strained the hospital’s capacity, requiring all surgical operating rooms to be opened. Many patients were later transferred to other facilities.
Dr. Bonvin emphasized the emotional toll on the medical staff, many of whom worried about their own family and friends who might have been at the party. The recovery process for the seriously burned will be lengthy, potentially involving months of intensive care. However, their youth offers a significant advantage in their fight to heal.
