goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair TragedyNeurosurgeon’s Perspective

Richard B. Rodgers, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery

goodmancampbell.com

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

• I was already in the OR…

• Page from Rebecca– Uh, there at least 7 patients down here for us, and

I’m pretty sure some of them are going to need surgery

• My response– Uh, I think we’re gonna need backup

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

• No idea what type of injuries to expect

• Turns out almost all were very similar

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

• Total of 9 patients, 7 with critical injuries• 8 cranial (plus), 1 spine• All but one critical patients with neurological

issues were evaluated within an hour of arrival• 4 patients had definitive neurosurgical

procedures less than 3 hours after arrival

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

• Despite outcomes, things went remarkably well for us

• Good backup system• Excellent patient flow• Lots of help• A little luck?

goodmancampbell.com

Indiana State Fair Tragedy

• What I would have done differently– One thing for sure…

– I wish we had been able to spend some time with each family