Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo's Level I adult trauma center, Erie County Medical Center, was pushed to the limits in handling the most patients transported from the deadly and mass casualty bus crash along the New York State Thruway near Pembroke on Friday.
ECMC received 21 patients from the crash.
Injuries being treated were characterized as head injuries, blunt trauma and extremity fractures. Two of the patients were in surgery as of late Friday afternoon and were expected to recover.
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During a briefing aired live on WBEN, ECMC officials stated this was the biggest trauma event the hospital has handled in 25 years. Four medivac helicopters landed on the hospital rooftop to transport patients.
In addition to treating patients at the hospital, ECMC medical staff was also on scene at the crash site to evaluate patients.
As of Saturday afternoon, ECMS reports:
-Seven (7) patients were discharged yesterday from ECMC’s Emergency Department.
-Six (6) patients were admitted to ECMC where they remain. All six are listed in stable condition.
-Five (5) patients were admitted to TICU where they remain. All five are listed in stable condition.
-Three (3) patients were admitted to the Observation Unit. All three are listed in stable condition and two of the patients are scheduled for discharge today.
Kaleida Health received a total of 20 patients to Buffalo General Medical Center (4 adults; all in good condition; 1 already discharged), Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (11 adults, 2 children; 10 in good condition, 3 in fair condition) and Oishei Children’s Hospital (3 children total; 2 in good condition, 1 in serious condition) following the tragic accident on the I-90.
New York State Police updated reporters late Friday, reporting five adults died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash. None of the fatalities were children.
As a result of the crash, Connect Life reported a critical need for blood donations and reached out via social media to solicit donations.