PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Early Saturday morning, a dramatic incident unfolded at Penn Presbyterian Hospital when a vehicle sped away after dropping off a gunshot victim, striking three nurses who were attempting to provide care. This shocking hit-and-run left one nurse in critical condition, authorities reported.
The silver Jeep Cherokee arrived at about 4:30 a.m. to deliver the man, who had multiple gunshot wounds, to the ambulance bay. As the vehicle fled the scene, it hit the three male nurses, prompting an urgent response from hospital staff and police.
Among the injured, a 36-year-old nurse suffered severe facial injuries and internal bleeding and is currently in critical condition. Meanwhile, a 37-year-old nurse sustained head injuries and a 51-year-old nurse experienced injuries to his head and back; both are reported to be in stable condition.
In addition to the gunshot wounds, authorities indicated that the shooting victim might have also incurred a head injury during the hit-and-run. This adds another layer of trauma to an already critical situation.
Penn Medicine described the event as “devastating,” noting that despite the traumatic incident affecting their colleagues, the staff continued their efforts to save the gunshot victim and care for other patients. This dedication underscores the resilience and commitment of the medical team during such harrowing circumstances.
City officials have reached out to support the injured nurses and their families. They are also collaborating with the police, who are currently investigating both the hit-and-run incident and the earlier shooting that led to the gunshot victim’s arrival at the hospital.
Philadelphia City Council member Jamie Gauthier expressed his concern in a statement, highlighting the unique challenges that staff at the area’s only Level One trauma center face each day. “They confront unimaginable pain and suffering as they care for us during the most traumatic moments of our lives,” he stated. He remarked on the gravity of the situation, adding, “It is unfathomable to me that someone would drive their car into our neighbors charged with healing.”
