The MGH has seen 29 patients related to the Boston Marathon explosion today. Eight of the 29 are in critical condition. None of the patients are pediatric (18 and younger). The injuries range from cuts and bruises to amputations.
The first Boston Marathon attendees who arrived at Massachusetts General Hospital were among the worst injured, with damage to their legs severe enough in some to require amputation, surgeon Dr. Peter J. Fagenholz said outside the hospital late Monday evening.
“We had three in the first five or 10 minutes, and that’s when it became clear to us that it was going to be a busy day,” he said. “I’ve never seen this volume come this quickly.”
Physicians took a moment Monday night to speak to the press about a day of trauma, where their training for the worst was put to work. “This is what we prepared for,” said Dr. Ron Walls, chief of emergency medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
As of about 10 p.m., Fagenholz said, the hospital had treated 29 people, eight of whom were in critical condition. Mass. General staff worked for a couple of hours to identify some patients or to locate family members, he said.
Fagenholz operated on six patients. The oldest he cared for was 71. Some will have repeat operations tomorrow, he said. Those who have bone, tissue, and vascular damage may require repairs done in a “step-wise fashion.”
Shrapnel injuries were common among the marathon-goers treated there.
“We have assessed staffing needs and have determined all day shift employees may leave, except those who have been notified by their supervisor or manager that they should remain at work”, said MGH.
The MBTA is running, however please note that the Green Line has terminated service between Kenmore and Park Street stations and has temporarily suspended B- and C-Line service. The Orange and Red Line service will bypass Downtown Crossing Station.
Please note that we have received reports that cell phone towers are overwhelmed due to heavy call volume and some cell phones are not working at this time.
The MGH Incident Command System team is continuing to work closely with local officials and we will continue to send updates as more information is available.
Source: Massachusetts General Hospital, USA