Treatment confirmed for youths wounded in apparent knife incident during SanSe festival’s final day

By THE STAR STAFF

Medical Services Administration (ASEM by its acronym in Spanish) Medical Director Dr. Israel Ayala confirmed Monday that the medical team at the Río Piedras Medical Center (Centro Médico) immediately attended to several patients who were injured with a bladed weapon on Sunday, as reported by the Puerto Rico Police, during the San Sebastián Street Festival.

“The medical, nursing, and support staff immediately activated the established clinical protocols. Currently, the four (4) minor patients are receiving acute treatment and continue under medical evaluation and receiving treatment according to the identified injuries,” Ayala stated, adding that the patients’ ages range from 15 to 20 years old, as has been reported in the media.

ASEM Executive Director Dr. Regino Colón added that such situations are contemplated within the Emergency Management Plan established for events with large public gatherings.

“At ASEM, we have a clear plan of rules and procedures that allows us to handle any type of emergency, from the simplest to the most critical,” he said. “For this event, the hospital operated according to the established plan, guaranteeing the continuity of services and the safety of everyone.”

Colón reiterated that he continues to maintain constant communication with central government and municipal security and response agencies.

He also acknowledged “the work of the medical, clinical, administrative and support staff, who once again demonstrated their preparedness and commitment to the health of the people of Puerto Rico.”

San Juan municipal spokesperson Betsy Nazario Briceño confirmed earlier Monday that four people, including three minors and one young adult, were injured during an incident in Old San Juan as the final day of the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián was underway.

According to municipal officials, emergency response teams acted immediately. Two emergency physicians and paramedics from the San Juan Municipal Emergency Management Bureau provided initial treatment at the scene. Three of the injured individuals were reported to be in stable condition. The fourth was transported to Centro Médico for expedited evaluation and treatment.

San Juan Municipal Police Commissioner Juan Jackson was overseeing the investigation, which was being handled according to established protocols.

Municipal authorities noted that the event’s operational security plan remained active Monday, supported by a broad deployment of municipal police, emergency personnel, health staff and other assisting agencies.