Trauma Surgeon Describes Hospital Response to Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

Hospital's Preparedness and Response

• 🏥 Trauma surgeon Jon Gayken expressed that the impact of the shooting would be felt throughout the community and hospital organization.
• 🎯 The primary focus is on supporting the families and individuals impacted by the shooting.
• 💡 The hospital aimed to be quietly waiting and ready to support community needs, though the events of the day were unforeseen.

Acts of Compassion and Dedication

• 💖 A nurse manager, not directly involved in trauma response, stayed with a scared child in the CT scanner, exposing herself to radiation to provide comfort.
• 🌟 This act exemplifies the inspiring and preserving nature of the hospital staff's response.

Multidisciplinary Team Effort

• 🤝 The care of eight injured children was a monumental task, requiring a coordinated effort from various hospital departments.
• 🩺 Teams included pediatricians, neurosurgeons, therapists, pharmacists, medicine doctors, and surgeons from other hospitals.
• 👏 The outpouring of support from friends, family, past residents, and medical students was significant.

Acknowledging the Unimaginable

• 😔 Gayken stated he doesn't have adequate words to describe the events or the experiences of the victims and staff.
• ✅ He emphasized the dedication and resilience witnessed within the hospital organization, from EMS to housekeepers.