Documentary Revisits D.C. Metro Crash
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On June 22 during the height of rush hour, a Metro train collision left nine dead and 76 hurt.
D.C. Fire and EMS has created a documentary on the incident, and dedicated it to the victims, their families, and the brave crews who answered the call that day.
The recently completed 15-minute film was shown for the first time last night to responders involved in the incident.
First responders paint the picture of what they saw, heard, did and felt.
Their testimonies reveal the human nature of the job as well as the tactical side.
EMT Althea Stiles spoke about talking with victims who asked if they were going to die, "You have to be there. That human side, not your professional side has to blend."
They spoke of horrific injuries as well as brave acts of fellow passengers.
"It gives people an idea what we do, and how we train to handle situations like this," department spokesman Pete Piringer told Firehouse.com today.
He said the video that also includes news footage of the crash scene will be shown at community forums as well as at venues attended by fire and rescue personnel.
Piringer said the documentary speaks volumes about the human toll such calls take on responders.
Chief Dennis Rubin said he knew based on the initial dispatch information it was going to be a major incident.
He praised his crews for their heroic actions that day to treat and console victims.
While speaking to Firehouse.com, Rubin said that the combined response with departments from both Virginia and Maryland offering mutual aid really made the difference.
"Responding to the tragedy required hundreds of skilled and knowledgeable first responders, and trained and well-prepared emergency medical care providers."
He said the documentary is "a tribute, not only to the first responders, but also to the residents and victims who lost their lives or were injured in that horrific crash."
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