Seven Injured in Western Psych Shooting Expected to Do Well, Says UPMC Emergency Medicine Chief
PITTSBURGH, March 8, 2012 – Seven people are expected to survive injuries they sustained when a gunman entered the lobby of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of UPMC today, said Donald Yealy, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at UPMC.
Five patients, including two who have undergone surgery, are being treated at UPMC Presbyterian, and two have been treated and released. One had an injury not related to a gunshot wound. Police officials have not yet released the names of the injured, who included UPMC employees and a hospital visitor.
“I expect all of these patients to survive and do well,” Dr. Yealy said. “As the busiest trauma center in the region, we prepare for this kind of multi-casualty situation.”
Care of patients was not compromised as events unfolded, said Claudia Roth, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of WPIC. Additional staffing has been arranged, and many staff members volunteered to work extra shifts. All security procedures will be reviewed in the coming days.
“The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is of utmost importance,” Dr. Roth said.
Jeffrey Romoff, president and chief executive officer of UPMC, praised the "work, professionalism and prompt response" of first responders.
"[We are] deeply, deeply saddened by today's events," he said. "I want to express our deepest sympathies to the victims."
More information will be provided as it becomes available.