CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday's deadly ambush is impacting people across the Charlotte region, which includes the health care workers who had to treat the officers who had been shot.
According to The American College of Emergency Physicians, upwards of 65% of emergency doctors and residents experience burnout while about 15% to 20% meet the criteria for PTSD.
A North Carolina trauma surgeon says they're always prepared and practicing to take care of multiple victims. He calls it organized chaos inside the emergency department where teamwork is crucial, but it can take a toll.
“All trauma centers, we are dealing with the effects of gun violence on a daily basis," Dr. Amirreza Motameni, a WakeMed trauma surgeon, said.
The healthcare workers who work inside trauma centers have a unique set of skills to save lives after tragic events. On Monday, eight officers were shot while serving active felony warrants. They were rushed to Charlotte hospitals. Sadly, four officers died in the line of fire.
“If you had to stand in Atrium and Novant and see the kinds of things these doctors were reaching out to do you, you would be grateful as a community, I am grateful as your Mayor," Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said this week.
Cell phone video showed a procession carrying CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. Healthcare workers lined up showing respect of the officer who put his life on the line.
“I think the healthcare providers were exceptional in their commitment to all of us," Lyles said.
Many said they were committed to saving important lives, with an outcome they didn't want.
“Many people in the medical profession are traumatized by what they see," James Rachal, the Medical Director for Atrium Health Behavioral Health, said.
Exposure to violence can have negative impacts on the people who save us. For example, a 2023 study found more than half of emergency room nurses surveyed show high rates of burnout and depression.
“When we have difficult cases, mass casualties, multiple victims -- once you’re done with one patient you move to the next one and you don’t have time to reflect on what happens, and a month later you’re with your family and it hits you," Dr. Motameni said.
Motameni also said hospitals do offer support to help staff process what they see. He said they do their best for their patients and take care of each other as well. But sometimes it can still be difficult.
“It’s hard to lose a patient, honestly. It’s even harder telling a loved one their family member is not coming home again," Dr. Motameni said.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.