Multiple Children Hospitalized After Falling Ill at Canmore Hotel Pool
More than ten children required medical attention and were transported to hospital on Sunday following a concerning incident at a swimming pool located within a Canmore hotel. The event unfolded during a weekend youth hockey tournament, prompting a significant emergency response from local authorities.
Emergency Response and Patient Assessment
Alberta Emergency Health Services confirmed that multiple ambulance units were dispatched to the Canmore Inn & Suites shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday. The response was initiated "out of an abundance of caution" after reports indicated a group of children had become ill following use of the hotel's pool facility.
Initial emergency protocols, including mass casualty plans, were activated but were later scaled back as the situation became clearer. Paramedics assessed the scene and determined the full scope of resources initially mobilized would not be required.
- Nine children, all in stable and non-life-threatening condition, were assessed by paramedics at the scene. These patients were subsequently transported to the nearby Canmore General Hospital by their parents or guardians.
- One child was transported directly to the hospital by ambulance in serious but stable condition.
Hospital Updates and Official Statements
In a statement released on Monday, Emergency Health Services provided further details on the patients' conditions. "Ultimately a total of 11 young patients were assessed at Canmore General Hospital, 10 in stable and non-life threatening condition," the agency stated. "One patient was later transferred by ground ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary in serious but stable condition."
The agency extended thanks to paramedics and hospital staff for their handling of what was described as a "difficult and stressful situation."
Pool Closure and Public Safety Assurance
Adam Robertson, a spokesperson for the Town of Canmore, confirmed that local fire and rescue services attended the incident and have since cleared the scene. As a precautionary measure, the hotel's swimming pool was closed.
"There’s no ongoing risk to the public," Robertson stated on Monday morning, seeking to reassure the community. The RCMP also responded to the incident but indicated they are not conducting an investigation at this time.
Context of the Incident
Social media posts from a parent involved revealed that numerous families were staying at the hotel for a U7 hockey tournament held over the weekend, providing context for the gathering of children at the facility.
Attempts by Postmedia to obtain a comment from the Canmore Inn & Suites management were not immediately successful as of the time of reporting.
