Two Doctors Face Down a Gunman While Saving His Victim
In a heart-stopping encounter at a Tucson plant nursery two medical professionals, Bill Madden, MD, a retired US Army colonel and pediatrician, and Ron Quintia, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, found themselves in a life-threatening crisis. Amidst a peaceful day turned chaotic by gunfire, these two strangers collaborated under extraordinary circumstances to save a life. Dr. Madden, initially at the nursery for a family outing, and Dr. Quintia, there to pick up plants, were thrust into action when a disgruntled nursery worker opened fire, critically injuring a colleague.
As shots rang out, Madden and Quintia’s medical instincts kicked in. They found themselves using their shirts to bandage the victim’s chest wounds, fighting to keep him alive as they pleaded with the shooter, who was moments away from firing again. Their quick thinking and improvisation, under dire conditions, provided the victim with the crucial first aid needed to survive until he could be transported to Tucson Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.
The aftermath of the incident left both men deeply affected, reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of their roles as healthcare providers, even outside the conventional settings of their practices. This harrowing experience underscored their commitment to their calling, highlighting the unpredictability of emergencies and the profound impact of medical intervention.
The shooter, whose actions were a tragic culmination of a personal and societal breakdown, was later tried and found guilty, leaving a community to grapple with the consequences of violence. Yet, in the shadow of this tragedy, the compassion and bravery of Drs Madden and Quintia shone through, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity amidst the chaos.
Two Doctors Face Down a Gunman While Saving His Victim (Tucker, Medscape, 2/8).
