Rehab Facilities Prepare To Take In Marathon Bombing Victims

The next few days will be very difficult for the seriously injured victims of the Boston Marathon explosions. Tracey Dechert, a trauma surgeon at Boston Medical Center, says patients in critical condition, including those with amputations, aren't fully conscious after their first surgery.

"We don't tell them at that time, what we've done, for example, with their legs. We usually wait until they're off the breathing machine," Dechert explained. "And then also a lot of them, a lot of trauma patients, don't remember the events so many of these patients might not as of right now, remember anything that happened."

As Boston hospitals continue to treat the victims, rehab facilities in the area are preparing to take in patients who'll be facing long-term care and recovery.

Dr. Ross Zafonte, chief medical officer at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, joined WBUR's Morning Edition to talk about what lies ahead for the victims.