On Sunday, April 29, a tragic house fire in Alexandria eventually claimed the lives of four family members. The only survivor was an infant girl. Victims of the fire were initially treated in the emergency department at Community Hospital Anderson, with some being transferred later to an Indianapolis hospital.

While we work in a life and death environment, the magnitude of this tragedy stretched the abilities and emotions of our staff to the limit. However, the professionalism and teamwork exhibited by our employees was never more evident than on that day, when they valiantly attempted to perform life-saving procedures. While the outcome was not what any of us would have hoped for, the effort put forth by our emergency department physicians and staff, along with countless others from other departments, as well as those representing organizations outside the hospital who provided support, was nothing short of Herculean.

The following EMS providers not only transported victims to the hospital, but remained to assist in life-saving efforts: Alexandria Ambulance Service, Anderson Fire Department, EMAS Ambulance Service, Richland Township Ambulance Service and Seals Ambulance Service. Special thanks to Don Watson, AFD deputy chief, who helped debrief our staff following this tragic event.

On behalf of the entire Community Hospital Anderson family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to all those involved who represented the hospital in such an incredible manner. We are extremely grateful and proud to work alongside such caring health care professionals.

William C. VanNess II, M.D., president/CEO

Community Health Network

Anderson