A shocking incident occurred at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia early Saturday morning when a vehicle fleeing the hospital after dropping off a gunshot victim struck three nurses who were trying to treat the patient. The impact left one 36-year-old nurse critically injured with facial injuries and internal bleeding, while two other nurses, ages 37 and 51, sustained head and back injuries. The shooting victim, a 28-year-old male, had arrived at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and may have also sustained a head injury in the hit-and-run.
The silver Jeep Cherokee involved in the incident had just dropped off the shooting victim in the ambulance bay when it hit the three nurses and fled the scene. Despite the traumatic event, staff at Penn Presbyterian Hospital continued to work diligently to save the gunshot victim and provide care to other patients. The hospital released a statement expressing their devastation over the incident and highlighted the dedication of their staff, who continued to prioritize patient care even as their colleagues were being treated for injuries.
Authorities are currently investigating both the hit-and-run crash and the earlier shooting that led to the victim seeking treatment at the hospital. Philadelphia City Council member Jamie Gauthier expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, emphasizing the challenging work that healthcare providers at trauma centers like Penn Presbyterian face on a daily basis. Gauthier condemned the reckless actions of the individual who drove into healthcare workers dedicated to healing others during moments of trauma and suffering.
Penn Medicine, the healthcare system affiliated with Penn Presbyterian Hospital, is providing support for the injured nurses and their families while cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The hospital staff are receiving assistance to cope with the aftermath of the incident, which has left one nurse in critical condition and two others in stable condition. The community has come together to offer messages of support and gratitude to the healthcare workers who continue to provide essential care despite the risks and challenges they face.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the hit-and-run incident and identify the individual responsible for injuring the nurses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers healthcare workers face while providing critical care to patients, especially in high-stress situations such as trauma centers. The resilience and dedication of the healthcare staff at Penn Presbyterian Hospital highlight the importance of supporting those who tirelessly work to save lives and provide comfort to those in need. The community stands united in condemning acts of violence against healthcare workers and honoring their commitment to healing others during moments of crisis.
