A few days ago, while on the machine, I, and all the techs, smelled something burning. I asked them to check it out, but seeing no smoke, nothing was done. Our unit is on the fourth floor. ten minutes later the fire alarms went off. The staff efficiently started evacuatioin procedures. there were only six patients and a total of four staff, one nurse three techs. It took approximately eight to ten minutes to get the patients from their chairs to the stairwell. At that point I realized that going down the stairs, even with only six relatively mobile patients, was going to be a painfully slow process.
When it was established that it was safe to return, we returned to the unit, never having made it past the first landing.
Fortunately, the small electrical fire was of no significance. What is of distinct significance is that the fire department never arrived. When I inquired, I was told that there is no direct alarm link, and that the building manager had decided there was no need to call. Had this been a fast fire, the time lost in making an evaluation and then calling the fire dept would have been deadly. We were lucky to experience this "fire drill" All patients should inquire as to their units preparedness policies.