By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
When triumph turned to tragedy in the aftermath of the Super Bowl parade and rally in downtown Kansas City, response fell to two nearby hospitals.
Children’s Mercy treated 11 children and a mother who refused to leave her child’s side.
University Health, formerly Truman Medical Center, treated 12, eight of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
University Health President Charlie Shields worries that while the 12 patients treated there will recover physically, full recovery might never come.
“Even if you suffered a minor wound and a non-life-threatening wound, I mean you have to think there’s an emotional toll that will stick with these patients the rest of their life,” Shields, the former state Senator from St. Joseph, tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.
Shields says the rapid reaction by his staff, both at the scene and later at the hospital, saved the life of one gunshot victim who suffered a wound surgeons there described as 90% fatal.
That patient remains in critical condition at the downtown Kansas City hospital. Two other patients are listed in stable condition. All others have been released from the care of University Health.
Children’s Mercy reports all of its patients have been released.
The shooting took place outside Union Station after the rally for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs ended. A news release issued by the Jackson County Family Court stated two juveniles have been retained on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. They remain in custody. Kansas City police believe a dispute led to the shooting.
Killed in the shooting was KKFI-FM “Taste of Tejano” host Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two. Twenty-two people suffered injury or gunshot wounds. They ranged in age from eight to 47.
University Health is a certified Level One Trauma Center, which constantly trains for tragedies such as this. Shields says University Health had doctors and nurses on site, ready to treat any medical conditions that might arise. No one expected what actually took place.
Shields worries about the long-term psychological impact of this tragedy and not just on the patients, but on his staff.
“It’s part of what they do, but as strong as they are, nobody’s immune from not being affected by the trauma having dealt with one of these events,” Shields says. “These people did a great job. They’re still hurting. They’re recovering. But we’re trying to provide all the level of support that we possibly can”
A day that started with a festive atmosphere turned serious as University Health staff, many of whom were wearing their Chiefs gear, snapped to duty, turned off all thoughts of celebration, and got to work. Shields says that because of their dedication, lives were saved.
Shields says all who love the Chiefs and the community are saddened by the turn of events.
“We want people, particularly across the nation and the world, to know that’s not what represents Kansas City. We’re better than that. And it’s not what represents Missouri. We’re better than that,” Shields says. “It’s a shame some really bad actors took that away from an entire group of fans, a community, and a state.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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