Impact Stories
A Harrowing Evacuation
Fernando Fierro, a former combat engineer and AltaMed nursing leader, details a harrowing night for people evacuating during the Eaton Fire, many of whom had serious medical needs.
Eaton Fire evacuees fleeing their homes arrived at the Pasadena Convention Center in significant numbers. For Fernando Fierro, vice president of nursing services at community health center AltaMed and the first responder on scene, conditions were chaotic.
There wasn't any infrastructure in place.”
Fernando Fierro
Over 550 people sheltered at the convention center across five converted event halls. Medical assessments were urgently needed. Evacuees had fled without medications, mobility aids, or access to intensive care services.
Complicating Factors
The shelter faced multiple challenges. Close quarters, combined with animals brought by evacuees (dogs, cats, birds), created conditions favorable for disease transmission. Fierro, drawing on his background as a U.S. Army combat engineer with disaster response experience, recognized risks including norovirus and avian flu.
My biggest fear was that we would lose a patient. I was making sure we didn't have that happen.”
Fernando Fierro
Immediate Response
AltaMed operates community health facilities throughout Southern California serving underserved populations in wildfire-affected areas. When Pasadena city officials requested medical support, activation was immediate.
It was automatic mode.”
Fernando Fierro
Critical Care
Nurses performed patient assessments addressing varied needs: severely traumatized patients hiding under blankets, individuals evacuated from skilled nursing facilities and hospice care, and patients receiving end-of-life treatment.
AltaMed established a base station providing hygiene supplies, over-the-counter medications, chronic wound treatment, physician follow-ups, and ambulance transport for vulnerable patients.
We need to be out there. They trust us and the care we provide in our clinics, and they need to know that we're out here with them.”
Fernando Fierro
Looking Forward
AltaMed itself sustained significant damage. One facility burned completely. Many staff and providers evacuated themselves while simultaneously volunteering for the shelter operation.
When a disaster happens, health care doesn't stop. It can't stop.”
Fernando Fierro
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