(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is publicly recognizing and thanking a host of NYSNA-represented Nurses at the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), who saved lives following a tour bus crash that took place on the New York State Thruway in late August that killed five and injured more than four dozen people.

While returning to New York City from Niagara Falls on August 22nd, the bus lost control, went into the median on I-90 near Pembroke and overturned into a ditch. Five people died and dozens were injured, as Law Enforcement Officials said many were not wearing their seat belts, which resulted in numerous passengers being ejected from the bus. There were 54 people on the bus.

NYSNA - the State’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses (RNs) that represents more than 42,000 Members across New York, posted the following on its Facebook Page:

Special shoutout to NYSNA Nurses at ECMC who saved lives following the bus accident (outside) Buffalo.

When the hospital received notification of a mass casualty incident event related to a bus rollover on August 22nd, Nurses jumped into action and saved lives.

Nurses prepared trauma rooms and set up triage areas, surgical teams of every discipline got ready, while Nurses ensured the Intensive Care Unit and Operating Rooms were prepared to treat dozens of incoming patients.

Injured patients arrived by helicopter and ambulance and Nurses immediately held the line, handling various kinds of injuries and displaying the skills and strength to deliver emergency care at a mass scale.

ECMC RN Sarah Macneil said: “Even in the darkest moments, we rose together with strength in the chaos and proved every life is worth fighting for.”

RN Krystal Peters said: “This was the true definition of teamwork. I never would have thought that something you would normally see on TV would happen so close to home. Everyone involved handled the situation with such confidence and professionalism. I could not be prouder of my work family and what we managed to handle and achieve that day.”

Thank you to all the ECMC Nurses who delivered care to patients through a traumatic event and saved lives!

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: 2 survivors of I-90 tour bus crash suing company | News 4 Buffalo

Photo Of ECMC Nurses Courtesy Of NYSNA.