Children's Wisconsin treating 18 kids injured in Waukesha Christmas parade
WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Children's Wisconsin treated 18 kids after they were hurt in the Waukesha Holiday Parade tragedy Sunday, Nov. 21.
At least six children are in critical condition, three are in serious condition, and one in fair condition. Eight others are in fair condition and not in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
-10 out of 18 patients were admitted to the pediatric ICU
— Rose Schmidt (@RoseSchmidtTV) November 22, 2021
-patients in the PICU: 6 are in critical condition, 3 in serious condition, 1 in fair condition
-the other 8 patients not in the PICU are in other units of the hospital. They’re all in fair condition
“Our region has experienced mass casualty events in the past, but none in recent history involving such a large number of children.” said Dr. Amy Drendel, the medical director for Children's Wisconsin Emergency Department and Trauma Center.
One person has been taken into custody, and a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity tells The Associated Press that investigators are looking into whether the driver was fleeing a crime involving a knife at the time.
Doctors say 18 patients between the ages of 3 and 16 were taken to Children's Wisconsin. Those injured suffered serious head injuries, broken bones and scrapes on their faces, with six people operated on Sunday night and two more in surgery on Monday.
"There's three sets of siblings that are currently hospitalized within Children's. This is unique and truly demonstrates the devastating effects of this on our community," said Dr. Michael Meyer, the medical director of Children's Wisconsin Pediatric ICU.
Children's Wisconsin will activate a phone line for those in need of support: 414-266-6500.
During medical incidents like this, there is also always a greater need for blood donors for anyone looking to help.