When computers crashed, one Milwaukee hospital turned away ambulances

At least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, were turned away


Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis., shut its emergency department doors to most incoming ambulances for two hours in late August because of a computer failure, turning away at least four patients, including one who was having a life-threatening heart attack, according to an article on the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel website.

Less than a week later, two of Ascension Wisconsin's hospitals — in Milwaukee and nearby Ozaukee County — had a similar situation. Computers were out for eight hours. However, Ascension did not go on diversion.

The contrasting responses illustrate how a voluntary ban against ambulance diversion in Milwaukee County is being interpreted differently.

Under the voluntary ban, launched in April 2016, Milwaukee County hospitals can only divert ambulances under certain limited circumstances, such as if there is a fire, electrical outage, gunman on the grounds or other disasters.

Read the article.     

 



September 12, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.