INDIANAPOLIS — Pediatric hospitals around central Indiana continue to feel the strain of respiratory viruses like RSV.
Across the state, the Indiana Hospital Association noted Monday, 70% of pediatric ICU beds are filled. It added some facilities have only about 10% of PICU beds open.
“We always have surges but I’ve never seen it overwhelm the hospitals quite so much as what we’re seeing right now,” said Dr. Andrew Beardsley with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
On Monday, the northwest side hospital said its PICU is at capacity with half of its patients fighting RSV. This comes as the surge in the respiratory virus continues.
Riley Hospital for Children said on Monday that it's seeing “a 10% increase in patient volume over the last week.” Emergency room capacity downtown and the PICU at IU Health North-Carmel have also been expanded.
One tool unique to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is called a chest cuirass, also known as a “turtle shell.” This treatment wraps around the patient’s chest and creates negative pressure to allow for easier breathing. It is key to RSV treatments, according to respiratory therapists at the hospital.

Peyton Manning Children’s said it is the only hospital with the technology in the state.
Hannah Lyell used the turtle shell during her six-day stay at Peyton Manning Children’s PICU. Last month, the then seven-month-old was admitted with RSV.

Her mother, Kym, said their Plainfield family is grateful for the care. Kym’s biggest fear is her daughter going on a ventilator. The Turtle Shell’s main goal is to create time for care providers and avoid a child going on a ventilator.
After a week’s hospital stay last month, Hannah is back home thriving with her twin brother, Nolan.

-
Brownsburg Parks Department to present plan for amenities at Lincolnwood Park
Brownsburg Parks Department to present plan for aquatics center, recreation center and amphitheater at Lincolnwood Park.Student revived after using vape unknowingly laced with fentanyl
School officials from Perry Township Schools are urging parents to have conversations about the dangers of drugs after a student overdosed on Tuesday morning.Pacers defeat the Bucks 123-115 for 2-0 series lead
Pascal Siakam had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 on Tuesday night.White River fish advocate honored with memorial by the water
The White River is much healthier after a chemical dump killed millions of fish 25 years ago. The man who led the charge to clean the river now has a permanent place next to it.