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Surgeon’s rapid treatment saved shot Krakow officer, colleague says
Two surgeons having lunch with their families in central Krakow rushed to help after a mass shooting in the market square. One colleague’s urgent treatment of a police officer shot in the chest “undoubtedly” saved his life, according to surgeon Professor Michał Pędziwiatr, highlighting the role bystanders can play in emergencies.
Dr Mateusz Wierdak used bandages and his hands to control the officer’s bleeding while Pędziwiatr treated other victims and called a specialist hospital. Six people were killed and 16 injured in Saturday’s attack; the dead included four Polish nationals, a British man and another person whose nationality has not been disclosed. Police are investigating, with a unit specialising in terrorist offences leading the inquiry.
In short
- A surgeon’s emergency treatment helped save a police officer.
- Six people died and 16 were injured in Krakow.
- Two surgeons and Dublin volunteers helped victims.
Explained simply
Krakow is a major city in southern Poland, and its central market square is a busy public space. Police officers help respond to emergencies and keep the public safe, but they can also be injured while doing so.
In a mass-casualty emergency, nearby people may be able to help before specialist medical teams arrive. Surgeons are doctors trained to treat serious injuries, and urgent pressure on a wound can help limit blood loss.
The account of the officers and doctors’ roles comes from surgeon Professor Michał Pędziwiatr, who was there with his family and colleague Dr Mateusz Wierdak. Police are investigating the attack, with a specialist unit leading the inquiry.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by BBC World as “Surgeon having lunch near Krakow shooting undoubtedly saved officer’s life, colleague says”.