Outside, as Sheila and Benjamin caught their breath, the sound of sirens filled the air.
Several police patrols quickly arrived at the scene, their flashing lights projecting blue and red flashes on the hospital walls.
Officers descended from the vehicles and began to cordon off the area, establishing security perimeters to keep onlookers away and allow emergency teams to work without obstacles.
"Please stay behind the barriers!" ordered one of the officers, with a firm but calm voice, while extending yellow tape around the perimeter.
Other police officers joined the task, helping to coordinate the evacuation and ensuring that all patients and medical staff were safe.
Just then, the sound of several ambulances approaching was heard. The emergency vehicles braked abruptly in front of the hospital, and paramedics immediately got out, equipped with stretchers and bags of medical supplies.