As a Survivor of #GunViolence and a Trauma Surgeon at @hopkinsmedicine, I’ve seen this public health crisis from numerous vantage points.
Despite my own experience, nothing prepares you when the person you have to take care of is one of your own.
🧵
Despite my own experience, nothing prepares you when the person you have to take care of is one of your own.
🧵
After walking in for Trauma call this AM, my colleague called with the most unexpected message.
Joe, are you on call?
Yes
Our fellow trauma surgeon was just shot and he is on his way to the trauma center.
Listening to that communication, I was frankly numb and in disbelief.
Joe, are you on call?
Yes
Our fellow trauma surgeon was just shot and he is on his way to the trauma center.
Listening to that communication, I was frankly numb and in disbelief.
Realizing this was not some bad #AprilFoolsDay joke, I quickly gathered my things and headed down to the trauma bay to prepare the team.
As we gathered our incredible multi-disciplinary team, I could feel my heart racing not knowing exactly what type of injuries we would face.
As we gathered our incredible multi-disciplinary team, I could feel my heart racing not knowing exactly what type of injuries we would face.
In the heat of the moment, we often compartmentalize the emotion that goes along with caring for these injured patients. And we do that in order to effectively make one methodical decision after the other to save a persons life.
How do you do that when it’s one of your own?
How do you do that when it’s one of your own?
The beauty of being at a mature trauma center, is that we have healthcare professionals that do this on daily basis.
Following the principles of trauma resuscitation, and making sure everyone regardless of who they are is treated in the same way is mission critical.
Following the principles of trauma resuscitation, and making sure everyone regardless of who they are is treated in the same way is mission critical.
While I have permission from my friend and injured fellow trauma surgeon to discuss what happened, I will just say that we are so grateful he survived this horrific incident and will be ok.
As a survivor of gun violence, I can tell you that the physical wounds will heal much quicker than the emotional / mental trauma that this type of tragic incident has on a person.
Grateful for my trauma partners, @hopkinssurgery and @HopkinsMedicine community & leadership.
Grateful for my trauma partners, @hopkinssurgery and @HopkinsMedicine community & leadership.
Gun Violence is a Public Health Crisis that we face daily in Baltimore, and communities all across America.
We have the opportunity and responsibility to do better. #TheTimeIsNow
We have the opportunity and responsibility to do better. #TheTimeIsNow
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