A person intentionally disrupted the oxygen supply at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital after gaining access to the facility’s outdoor oxygen storage area. No patients were harmed, and the 831-bed hospital is strengthening protections for its critical infrastructure.

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colo., is enhancing security around its critical infrastructure after someone intentionally disrupted the hospital’s oxygen supply.

According to CPR News, the incident occurred Sept. 3, when an individual gained access to the outdoor oxygen storage area of the 831-bed hospital and disrupted the oxygen supply.

Patients moved to backup oxygen

Dan Weaver, UCHealth’s vice president of communications, said hospital staff noticed that oxygen pressure was gradually falling and immediately followed the facility’s emergency response procedures.

Patients who required oxygen were quickly switched to backup supplies, while the hospital’s facilities team transitioned the entire hospital to a backup oxygen source, Mr. Weaver told Becker’s.

The issue was resolved within a short period, and no patients were harmed as a result of the incident.

Suspect identified

University of Colorado Police, working with other law enforcement agencies, have identified a suspect and are working toward making an arrest.

Mr. Weaver said crimes involving the disruption of critical hospital infrastructure can carry serious penalties.

The hospital declined to provide additional information about the suspect or details about the enhanced security measures being implemented while the investigation continues.

Hospitals reassess critical infrastructure security

The incident highlights the importance of protecting not only medical equipment and information systems but also essential physical infrastructure such as medical oxygen supplies.

UCHealth is now strengthening protections around its critical infrastructure following the disruption.

Kaynak: Becker's Hospital Review