First Responders Recall Virginia Tech Tragedy

     On Monday, April 16, Virginia Tech Rescue Squad (VTRS) members Matt Lewis and Matt Green were engaged in typical morning routines. At the same time, events were unfolding on their campus that would shatter the lives of fellow students, faculty and family members and send shock waves throughout the world.

     Lewis was brushing his teeth when he received the call for a person with an injury after falling from a bunk. When the volunteer EMT walked into the room in West Ambler Johnston dorm, he found the situation far different than what he learned from dispatch.

     There were two patients suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Lewis called for an additional ambulance and advanced life support crews. The victims were taken to Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg.

     Those patients-Emily Hilscher and Ryan Clark-were the first victims in what would be the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history.

     Green, another volunteer EMT, was headed to a gym when he heard about the call for multiple patients with traumatic injuries in Norris Hall.

     The student-operated Virginia Tech Rescue Squad soon found themselves smack in the middle of a mass-casualty incident. Although it could be challenging for the most seasoned EMS providers, Lewis says they initiated the plan they'd practiced so many times.

     "We were ready," Green says. "The training paid off today."

     Additional personnel and ambulances from neighboring companies were dispatched. Lt. Matt Johnson, another student, assumed incident command and requested Montgomery County respond with its trailer of extra medical supplies such as backboards, straps and collars. Since the scene was not secure, the ambulances staged away from the location. Personnel were assigned triage, treatment and transportation duties. They also had to warn other students about the incident.

     "People would say they had a class in Norris," says Lt. Sarah Walker of Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. "They hadn't heard what was going on. There was no panic. Some just didn't get it when we told them to go home."

     Police officers carried some injured patients to the ambulances, while others walked to the treatment areas.

     The majority of the victims had been shot multiple times. Medevac helicopters were grounded by high winds. The most serious patients were taken to the trauma center in Roanoke.

     A Blacksburg EMT was injured when the ambulance door slammed shut on his fingers. Despite his pain, he drove the ambulance to the hospital. D.J. Robinson eventually sought treatment, and suffered no fractures.

     The Tuesday afternoon following the shooting, more than 40 crew members gathered at their campus EMS station before heading out to a memorial service. Their badges were covered with black bands. They were joined by other EMTs and paramedics who helped in the effort Monday.

     "It hasn't sunk in yet. We all know it," Lewis said. "We'll have to lean on each other."

Teamwork Key at Virginia Tech
     It wasn't the first time the responders worked together as a team. During football season, they are responsible for the safety of 65,000 fans, as well as others who may be on campus for other events.

     Lewis says it would be ludicrous to think VTRS could handle it alone. "We always ask nearby companies to send units out to help. We pool our resources and work together."

     The VTRS has 43 members who are trained as EMTs, enhanced EMTs and paramedics. They provide EMS coverage 365 days a year. In addition to running two ALS-equipped ambulances, they have an SUV stocked with ALS supplies. They also have a bike team that handles various campus events. They run an average of 900 calls annually, not counting responses to incidents at football games.

     The squad is the second oldest collegiate rescue squad in the country, and was organized in 1969.