Patients at Cairns Hospital in Far North Queensland have described the horrifying moment a man set himself alight in the emergency department. The incident occurred just after 2am on Thursday, February 26, leaving witnesses shaken.
Kelsey Meyers, who was in the waiting area with her husband, told the Cairns Post: 'The smell, the screams, I will never forget it. It was bloodcurdling... My partner tried to shield me, but even in the reflection of a window, I could see it.' She added that the smell of smoke lingered and that a nurse who extinguished the flames suffered burns to his hands and arms.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman Leena Singh confirmed that a staff member was injured and that employees have been offered counselling. She said staff quickly moved a small number of people from the main waiting room to a secure area to shield them from the traumatic scene.
A full incident review has been conducted to strengthen emergency response protocols. Singh could not provide further details due to patient confidentiality. For mental health support, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
