Texas Border Business
Dr. Alejandro Rios Tovar, a surgeon at the University Medical Center of El Paso, had just returned home from a 30-hour shift when he was summoned back to the hospital.
Originally from McAllen, Dr. Rios Tovar graduated from the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio to become a life-saver surgeon. He had the opportunity to help save several people wounded by the active shooting that took place in El Paso.
The tragedy in El Paso left the community with a huge loss but the damage done by the weapon was witnessed most clearly by the medical staff who care for the wounded.
In total, 30 shooting victims were taken to University Medical Center and another hospital, Del Sol Medical Center. Most victims had multiple injuries, Dr. Rios Tovar along with the other medical staff had to be quick and precise when attending the victims.
The following paragraphs were published by the University Medical Center of el Paso regarding the events.
Shooting Victims Arrive at UMC, EPCH
August 3, 2019
University Medical Center of El Paso has received 13 patients related to today’s mass casualty shooting in El Paso. Two children have arrived and were transported to El Paso Children’s Hospital. Patients are currently being treated by surgeons and specialists at UMC, joined by physicians and staff from Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso and El Paso Children’s Hospital.
“We do not have a status of all patients to report at this time. Families of victims are arriving at UMC and are being assisted by UMC staff and counselors. “This is a terrible tragedy and we are doing everything possible to treat and care for the victims and assist their families,” said Jacob Cintron, UMC President & CEO. “Our hearts go out to all the victims of this terrible incident and we will continue to provide the best possible care in hopes of a quick recovery for all.”
“We have the very best surgeons and specialists for treating children in our region,” said Cindy Stout, EPCH President & CEO. “The children that have been brought to us have been stabilized and are receiving the best care possible.”
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego has arrived at UMC and is comforting families and providing support. “We have the very best medical care in our region supporting the victims of this terrible day.”
UPDATE: UMC, EPCH GIVE STATUS OF PATIENTS
August 15, 2019
University Medical Center of El Paso and El Paso Children’s Hospital today provided an update on the patients treated at each hospital as a result of the mass casualty shooting at an El Paso Walmart on Aug. 3.
As of today, five patients remain hospitalized at UMC.
The following is an update regarding all 15 patients brought to University Medical Center of El Paso as a result of the mass casualty shooting:
- 1 adult patient remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment in University Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit
- 4 adult patients are in stable but serious condition at University Medical Center
- 7 adult patients have been discharged from University Medical Center
- 2 children were transferred from University Medical Center to El Paso Children’s Hospital on Aug. 3 with non-life-threatening injuries and discharged by El Paso Children’s Hospital Aug. 4
- 1 adult patient was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at University Medical Center on Aug. 3
