An HCMC physician is reflecting on treating among the most critically injured sufferers after the Annunciation taking pictures on Aug. 27, 2025.
Essentially the most critically injured sufferers that day have been taken to Hennepin County Medical Middle, one of many Twin Cities’ solely level-one trauma facilities. The hospital activated its mass-casualty trauma response and introduced in extra physicians, trauma specialists and different workers.
Dr. Walt Galicich, chief neurosurgeon at Hennepin County Medical Middle, helped deal with among the most critically injured victims.
“It’s very troublesome, however in the event you let feelings get in the way in which … you possibly can’t do your job. It’s a must to put that within the again and do what is critical on the time. There’s time for reflection afterward,” Galicich mentioned.
“You’ve acquired to be all enterprise. It’s a must to be sure to are doing every part attainable to make the very best out of dangerous circumstances,” Galicich mentioned.
A scary a part of that day, Galicich mentioned, was understanding some victims could possibly be related to individuals who work on the hospital. He mentioned a number of colleagues at HCMC have youngsters who go to Annunciation.
“A very scary factor was a number of colleagues who work at our hospital have youngsters who go to Annunciation, in order that was terrifying. That each one had a big effect on us, as a result of we all know these colleagues might have been concerned,” Galicich mentioned.
A complete of 11 sufferers have been handled at HCMC, and 9 of them have been youngsters. Galicich was a part of the group that handled 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who survived after being shot within the head.
Sophia was the final affected person handled and launched from HCMC on Oct. 23, 2025. Galicich was pictured as one of many final folks to hug her as she left the hospital, surrounded by household and buddies.
“That was wonderful. She acquired the greeting she deserved,” Galicich mentioned.
In so some ways, Galicich mentioned, what occurred on Aug. 27, 2025 modified the individuals who answered the decision that day.
“I believe it undoubtedly made me a greater physician, but it surely additionally made me maintain my very own youngsters a little bit bit tighter,” Galicich mentioned.
At HCMC, non-public occasions for remembrance and reflection are being held to mark the anniversary.