New Zealand’s hospital emergency department staff, including emergency physicians at Whakatane, Tauranga, Waikato, Middlemore, Christchurch and Hutt Valley hospitals, have responded with total dedication to save lives since the first patients came through.
We would like to acknowledge all our emergency physicians and trainees who have been involved in the mass casualty response.
ACEM President Dr John Bonning says: “It is a deeply distressing time during this profoundly tragic event and as emergency physicians our thoughts are with the individuals, families and communities affected by this horrific event.”
Dr Bonning also paid tribute to hospital staff in other departments who provided critical treatment and care for the many injured patients resulting from this mass casualty event.
“I’m also very mindful that Whakatane Hospital and staff, a small regional hospital, has dealt with the brunt of the acute injuries.”
"As a small regional hospital, Whakatane rose valiantly to the unprecedented challenge, bearing the brunt of the acute injuries, stabilising patients for transportation for definitive care. In 12 hours, they treated nearly 30 critical patients.
“As the true extent of this tragedy becomes clearer in the days ahead, we stand with other emergency responders including the New Zealand Police, Civil Defence, other government agencies and the local communities in supporting emergency efforts.”
ENDS
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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