Honoring the Heroes of Bourbon Street and Advancing Trauma Preparedness

 

[Re: “ Bourbon Street Terror Attack Reinforces Need for Mass Casualty Protocol, Preparedness,” March 2025, page 1]

The Trauma Anesthesiology Society (TAS) wishes to express our deepest respect, admiration and gratitude to Drs. Matthew Eng, John Helmstetter, Taylor Ward and Emily Young. Their story in Anesthesiology News recounting the Bourbon Street mass casualty incident on Jan. 1, 2025, is a profound testament to the strength, skill and compassion of anesthesiologists who rise to meet the unthinkable.

Additionally, the coordinated response by the teams at University Medical Center New Orleans and LSU Health Sciences Center serves as a powerful reminder that trauma anesthesiologists are often the calm in the storm—critical thinkers, communicators and caregivers when seconds matter most.

Trauma is unpredictable. Our preparedness should not be.

Trauma remains the leading cause of death in individuals aged 1 to 45 years. It does not discriminate by region, hospital size or specialty coverage. Every anesthesiologist, whether working in a trauma center or a community hospital, plays a role in trauma preparedness.

The events in New Orleans emphasize that readiness is not optional—it’s essential. And anesthesiologists are uniquely trained to lead in a crisis: in the trauma bay, the OR, the ICU and beyond.

The courage shown by the responders exemplifies the best of trauma anesthesiology—leadership, humility and unshakable dedication. Their actions not only saved lives, but are now shaping how we prepare for future crises.

The best way to honor their efforts—and the patients they served—is by preparing ourselves.

We invite you to join TAS and become part of a mission-driven, globally minded community committed to advancing trauma care. Learn more and become a member at tashq.org.