First responders and medical teams are receiving heartfelt appreciation after the tragic mass shooting at Brown University on December 13, which claimed two lives and left nine others injured.
Dr. Daniel Shanin, who leads the emergency department at Rhode Island Hospital, described the institution as a “high-volume, high-performance trauma center.” He noted that they have become adept at handling victims of violence and other traumatic events.
Rhode Island Hospital was the main treatment center for the survivors. As news of the shooting spread, the hospital quickly activated its emergency plan, known as “Code Triage.” This mobilized eight additional trauma surgeons and numerous emergency medicine specialists, with around 200 staff members responding to the crisis.
For many at the hospital, the incident felt personal. Rhode Island Hospital shares a close relationship with Brown University, and many staff live nearby. “It hit closer to home,” Dr. Shanin said. “Most of us know people at the university.” The emotional weight of the event made it much more than just another event they responded to.
Dr. Shanin highlighted how past tragedies shaped their preparedness. He referenced the Station nightclub fire over two decades ago, which prompted significant improvements in trauma care. “That disaster helped create the trauma center we have today,” he explained.
Though they successfully treated most of the injured, hospital officials acknowledge that keeping up this level of emergency readiness is a continuous challenge. “Running 14 operating rooms with specialized teams is tough, especially in today’s healthcare environment,” Dr. Shanin added.
As of now, two of the nine injured individuals remain hospitalized but are in stable condition.
In recent years, mass shootings have become an unfortunate reality. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 2022 recorded over 600 mass shootings in the United States alone. This increasing trend has raised concerns about public safety and the readiness of health facilities to manage such emergencies.
As communities mourn and heal, the importance of supporting first responders and healthcare professionals has never been clearer. Their swift actions and emotional resilience play a pivotal role in crisis response, making them essential pillars in times of tragedy.
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Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
