‘There Wasn’t Even Time for CPR’: Iran Medics Describe Hospitals Overwhelmed with Dead and Injured Protesters
Hospitals Overwhelmed Amid Ongoing Protests
Staff at three hospitals in Iran have reported that their facilities are overwhelmed with dead and injured individuals as anti-government protests escalate. A medic from a Tehran hospital indicated that many young protesters were shot directly in critical areas like the head and heart. Another doctor described the situation at an eye hospital as reaching crisis mode, with an influx of gunshot victims from both live ammunition and pellets.
Key Details:
– Significant Rise in Casualties: The protests, which began in Tehran over economic hardship, have now spread to over 100 cities and towns across all provinces. Hundreds are believed to be killed or injured, with many detained.
– Confirmed Fatalities: BBC Persian has verified the identities of 26 deceased, including six children. Additionally, reports indicate at least 14 members of the security forces have died.
– Morgue Condition: At Poursina Hospital in Rasht, 70 bodies were brought in on Friday night. Due to a lack of space, they were stacked on top of one another, creating an urgent situation for the medical team.
– Financial Burdens: Authorities reportedly requested 7 billion rials (£5,222; $7,000) from the relatives of the deceased for their burial.
Graphic Descriptions of Chaos
With a near-total internet blackout affecting reliable information dissemination, a hospital worker in Tehran described horrible scenes of devastation, where even CPR was not an option due to the overwhelming number of casualties.
– Death Rate: Around 38 people died, many immediately upon arrival at emergency beds, reported the worker, highlighting how young the victims were, often in their 20s or early 30s.
– Emergency Response: Farabi Hospital, Tehran’s main eye specialist center, declared a state of emergency, halting non-urgent surgeries to address the crisis.
Impact on Medical Staff
The influx of casualties impacted hospitals nationwide.
– One doctor from Kashan noted that many injuries were eye-related, aligning with reports from various facilities struggling to accommodate the injured.
– Another medical professional recounted a tragic incident where a severely injured man died before reaching the hospital due to the overwhelming number of emergencies.
Escalating Violence and International Reactions
As protests intensified, footage showed demonstrators in Tehran setting vehicles and government buildings ablaze. The Iranian army declared their commitment to defend public property amid fears that security forces were overwhelmed.
Reactions From Leaders:
– International Condemnation: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the violent repression against protesters, while the UN expressed deep concern over the loss of life.
– Support for Protesters: Figures like President Trump voiced support for the protesters, emphasizing a readiness to assist in their pursuit of freedom.
The Broader Context
The protests represent the most significant unrest since the 2022 uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. The current wave of demonstrations reflects widespread discontent fueled by economic challenges.
Call for Internal Change
Political activists have emphasized that any meaningful change must originate from within Iran, rejecting foreign intervention. Past protests have highlighted a lack of organized opposition, although this current wave seems broader and rooted in deeply felt grievances regarding economic stability and personal freedoms.
Conclusion
As the situation evolves, the narrative of overwhelmed hospitals filled with injured and deceased protesters remains a grim testament to the escalating crisis in Iran. The urgent need for change echoes in the voices of the medics and the protesters alike, signaling a critical juncture in Iran’s history. The international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution amid the cries for justice and reform.