Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2015) – California Baptist University nursing faculty and students sprang into action to help a local rehabilitation center when the power went out on Oct. 30 shortly after 11:00 am.

A collapsed tree fell onto power lines on Magnolia Avenue in front of CBU's front lawn and caused power outages in the surrounding areas. The Mission Nursing and RehabilitationCenter, located across the street from CBU, lost its power as well. This facility takes care of nearly 30 individuals that depend on power-operated ventilators to breathe.  

The Riverside Fire Department initially responded to the scene.

Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean and associate professor of nursing, said that her office received a call stating that they could use some help. 

"We responded immediately, probably around 30 – 40 of our staff and students went down the street," said Oaks. "There were students running to the center." 

Oaks said that Jeff DeLaurie, battalion chief, wanted skilled hands available in case they needed to use manual devices to help patients breathe.

The center's backup generators failed to turn the power back on. As a result, more than 10 fire engines and ambulances were called in to provide the power needed to allow the ventilators to keep running. 

Oaks said the fire department requested that CBU faculty and students observe patients to ensure they were breathing correctly.

"They were asked to make sure the patients were receiving everything they needed to preserve life," Oaks said. 

The fire department was extremely thankful, Oaks said.

"It was a blessing to see the heart of our staff and students," said Dr. Susan Drummond, associate dean and associate professor of nursing. "They want to do good and have a heart for service."