Senior found in hypothermic state outside a Montreal CHSLD

An 89-year-old was found in a hypothermic state outside a long-term care facility (CHSLD) in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies borough early Wednesday morning at around 7:30 a.m.

Initial reports indicate that the man, a resident of CHSLD Champlain-Marie-Victorin, was found unconscious outside the building. At the time, it felt around -20°C outside. He had been there for a few hours after he reportedly opened a window and climbed out.

Paramedics were called and took charge of the man. He was conscious and promptly rushed to a hospital – where he remains in intensive care, in critical but stable condition.

Montreal Police (SPVM) launched an investigation to determine whether criminal negligence played a role in the incident.

“When police arrived he was in a hypothermic condition. He was transported to the hospital and now we have the information that there’s a danger for his life. So right now the perimeter has been established to protect all the elements of proof so that the investigators that are already on site can evaluate if there’s been criminal negligence on the site,” said Véronique Dubuc, a spokesperson with Montreal Police.

At the National Assembly, the Minister responsible for Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, spoke of an “inadmissible situation.”

“I’ve asked CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-EMTL) for a status report,” she said. I’m going to follow this situation closely, of course.”

According to the Minister’s information, the man was autonomous, which “raises even more questions,” she pointed out.

The doors of the CHSLD were well secured, she added.

“The incident reported at the CHSLD Marie-Victorin (private) is being taken very seriously by CIUSSS-EMTL,” said the regional health authority in an email to CityNews. “We will be working with our partner to shed light on this incident, which we consider regrettable, and to draw the necessary lessons from it. We remain in close contact with the management of CHSLD Marie-Victorin to support them.”

The Groupe Champlain owns the facility and confirms that an internal investigation is underway to shed light on this event.

“The resident concerned was quickly attended to this morning when he was found, and then transported to hospital where he is receiving the necessary care,” writes Annie Gauthier, on behalf of Groupe Champlain. “Our hearts go out to the family, who were quickly notified. We are cooperating fully with the police authorities, who are also conducting their investigation.”

-With files from The Canadian Press