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ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting

A heroic ICU nurse who was held at gunpoint, forced to restrain a colleague, and used as a shield during the UPMC York hospital shooting is now struggling to heal from the trauma. A GoFundMe has been launched to support Tosha Trostle, who says the psychological scars run deeper than any physical wound.

Tosha Trostle after being used "as a human shield" following the UPMC Memorial Hospital shooting, according to a GoFundMe launched for her. 

Tosha Trostle after being used "as a human shield" following the UPMC Memorial Hospital shooting, according to a GoFundMe launched for her. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of GoFundMe "Stand with Tosha… Overcoming Tragedy"/Melissa Stone
UPMC Memorial Hospital where Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz opened fire injuring staff and killing West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte

UPMC Memorial Hospital where Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz opened fire injuring staff and killing West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte

Photo Credit: YCRPD (right overlay); York County Central Booking (left overlay); Google Maps (Street View)
UPMC Memorial Hospital where West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was shot dead. 

UPMC Memorial Hospital where West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was shot dead. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps (Street View); New Cumberland Borough Police (overlay)

“I Was Used As A Human Shield”

Tosha Trostle was drawing blood when she heard a commotion in the hallway of UPMC York’s ICU. Thinking it was a routine emergency, she stepped out—only to come face-to-face with the gunman holding her coworker, Jess, at gunpoint.

“He made Jess zip-tie my hands behind my back,” Trostle recalled. “Then I heard gunshots ring out as I lay at his feet.”

A Terrorizing Escape

Trostle said she begged for her life, and the shooter told her she was “doing everything right.” He then forced her to lead him toward the doors with the most people—pushing her along as his human shield.

When officers confronted the gunman, a hail of gunfire erupted, and Trostle was trapped beneath his body. “I felt his cold, limp hand on my face,” she said, recalling the horror of the moment.

A Long Road To Healing

Now safe but mentally shattered, Trostle is struggling to process the trauma while caring for her family. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with medical expenses, therapy, and lost wages.

Donate here to help Tosha recover.

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