10 Kids In Intensive Care After Being Injured At Christmas Parade

WAUKESHA, WI — Ten children remained in intensive care Monday at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee after being injured when an SUV drove into people marching in Sunday’s Waukesha Christmas Parade.

At least five people were killed, and more than 40 injured.

Hospital officials confirmed in a news conference that 18 children were brought to the facility, which has the state’s largest pediatric intensive care unit.

Of the 10 children in intensive care, six were in critical condition, three were in serious condition, and one child was in fair condition, said Dr. Michael Meyer, the medical director of the pediatric ICU. At least two children were discharged Sunday night.

The injuries ranged from facial abrasions to broken bones and head injuries, said Dr. Amy Drendel, the hospital’s medical director of the emergency department and trauma center.

Six children were in the operating room on Sunday night, and two were undergoing surgery Monday, Drendel said.

“The injuries from Sunday night will go well beyond the physical and will take time to heal,” said Dr. Michael Gutzeit, the hospital’s chief medical officer. “We all must continue to lean on each other and to encourage those impacted to reach out and use the resources that are available to them.”

Drendel said the first patient came into the hospital at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

“Beginning at that time we activated our trauma surge plan, calling in nurses, doctors, surgeons and other team members to help support the care of these children,” Drendel said.

Meyer said mental health support has been activated for families, children and staff.

Meyer expressed gratitude for the medical response, which started on scene with bystanders and emergency officials.

The children’s ages ranged from 3 to 16. Among those taken to the hospital were three sets of siblings.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and loved ones during this very tragic time. The Children's team responded with their head and their hearts to provide the care and support to children who were injured, their families and our teams,” Gutzeit said.