worst day, mass casualties

Nurses General Nursing

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Today was, quite honostly, the worst day I've ever had. Not because of management or the usual bull. A local factory exploded. It was a mass casualty incident.

I've seen and smelled things today no one should ever have to. We got 30 patients, although the news is only saying 22, I know, I was in the ambulance bay triaging as they came off the trucks. We flew out 13 who had approx. 90% burns to their bodies, the only parts not burnt were their feet because of thick work boots that were melted.

I am shell shocked right now, don't know whether to keep crying or get really drunk, and I am not even a drinker. For those of you who pray, I ask you put these people in your prayers, at least 7 will most likely die, these were good hardworking people, mothers, fathers, people just trying to make a living like us every day we clock in and go to work.

God bless the EMS and firefighters, my sister is a medic and 8 months pregnant. Her truck was first on scene. She followed her first instinct as a medic and immediately went in with her partner and pulled critical patients out of a burning building. Thank God she is ok, didn't have any injuries, today was the start of her maternity leave, too.

Again, I ask you pray for the many victims and their families, If you belong to a prayer chain, then put them and the emergency workers in it. These were images we will never get out of our heads , we just have to find a way to get through it.

Thanks.

So very sorry to read this news...............seems everyday lately brings more sad news just as this.

Take care of yourself, and know others are keeping you and the victims in their thoughts and prayers

My thoughts and prayers with you as well. Lots of good advice here; take care and vent with us if you need to.

Positive thoughts sent your way.I agree,you need to talk about this.We are here for you when you need us.Bonnie

I am so sorry. Also praying for all concerned.

Sending prayers your way, for you and all those affected by this.

Wow, terrible! Do you have the possibility to debrief? Please take that change! Even though it is hard to talk, try to. Don't get drunk, alcohol doesn't solve this problem one bit!

Thinking of you and sending the good vibes across the ocean.

PS: you can pm too. I was working in the ER 19 years ago, as the biggest terrorist attack was made here on the airport in Vienna.

So I can feel with you!

Thinking of you and your sister at this time. The community is blessed to have people like you there.

Specializes in Clinical Risk Management.

Praying for you & the other victims. Take care of yourself, especially now.

God bless you, the victims and families of this terrible disaster. You are all in my prayers (((HUGS)))

Being in NYC & working at a hospital 3 miles from the WTC, I know exactly what you mean. After Sept 11, our city & local hospitals all had grief counseling nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists available for anyone who just needed to talk. That odor lingered for months. A lot of people who witnessed the mass murder here ended up with a wide range of PTSD symptoms. Take advantage of the counseling services your hospital will offer....and if they dont offer them, tell them people need it & ask them to.

I sent the info out on both prayer chains that I belong to...prayers are being said!

Also, I need to say this...why is it that a "night club" fire gets front page, but a factory explosion is hardly reported??? What is that saying? BOTH are tragic horrible occurances! But, what makes one front page and the other not?? Sometimes I really wonder about the media in this country it's almost like they look at the briefs and say "nope, not gross/sad/deadly enough to pull ratings"...makes me SO ANGRY!!

Specializes in Critical Care,Recovery, ED.

Mass casulties are never any good.

As usual -jt and nurseKaren added useful advice. The only thing I can add is that you and others were there to prevent further loss and suffering. Think of the good work you and others did that day.

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