Ridgecrest Regional Hospital evacuated after 6.4 earthquake rattles California
The Ridgecrest Regional Hospital has been evacuated for precautionary measures following a major earthquake in Kern County.
Jim Simmons a consultant for the hospital says Ridgecrest Regional is the only major trauma center between Reno and Los Angeles County; they serve three counties including Death Valley National Park.
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The hospital has set up a center where they can assess the 25 inpatients and others who may be coming to the hospital for treatment. Multiple minor injures have been reported. The Kern County Fire Department says there have been nearly two dozen incidents ranging from medical assistance to fires across the city of Ridgecrest.
They have so far helicoptered five patients out and are waiting on ambulances from other jurisdictions to come and help transport patients to Palmdale, Lancaster and Kern River Valley.
No one was in surgery at the time of the quake. Officials continue to assess any damage done to the hospital.