I have been a registered nurse for nearly 35 years. I spent 15 years working in emergency departments in the U.S. and 10 years working internationally in war zones and other humanitarian disasters.
I have seen countless victims of gunshot wounds, both old and young. Other than death and dismemberment due to the physics behind a gunshot wound is the devastating loss and grief of those who are part of the victim’s community.
I will always hear the screams, moans and wailing of those who have learned that it loved one has passed due to violence. These sounds echo through hospital hallways and are never silenced.
Very often a gunshot victim lies dead on a gurney. After resuscitation attempts have ceased, the memories that come to me are those of beautiful, young, intact bodies with small piercing holes. The small hole on the body outside represents devastated destruction internally.
I will never forget the gunshot victims I have cared for during my career. This is why I work towards reducing gun violence by implementing common sense gun laws in the U.S.