Mills-Peninsula ER and Radiology Doctors Diagnose Local Carbon Monoxide Problem

On Thursday, Nov. 8, there was an evacuation of a Burlingame hotel due to a carbon monoxide leak. The news report offers details of the scene and actions of the first responders. But who notified the first responders? That’s the Mills-Peninsula part of this story.

A patient was brought to the Mills-Peninsula Emergency Department from the Embassy Suites Hotel, where he had checked in after arriving at the San Francisco International Airport. (The identity of the patient is private and protected by HIPAA.)

Read the whole story about how out-of-the-box thinking and quick reaction by radiology and ER doctors protected the lives of the 500 guests and employees at the hotel.

Karin Molander, M.D., the Mills-Peninsula ER physician on this case, helped to alert the Fire Department to the carbon monoxide risk.

“I felt like I was in an episode of the TV show ‘House,’” said Dr. Molander. “It took the combined minds of many people to figure out this uncommon case and act for the patient and the community.”

Mills-Peninsula serves as the major receiving hospital for most emergencies on the Peninsula and is the official destination for emergencies at the San Francisco International Airport. On an average day, this award-winning Emergency Department team treats more than 115 patients, administering critical care for stroke, heart attack, car accidents, sports injuries, poisoning - or any medical or psychiatric emergency.