Home > VTRS LMAA > Tragedy of April 16, 2007

Logged in as Guest

The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad responded to two calls the morning of Monday April 16, 2007. The first call was dispatched at approximately 0730. The incident involved two patients in West Ambler Johnston who had been shot in a dorm room. Both VTRS ambulances responded, treated and transported the patients. A second call was dispatched around 0945 for gunshots in Norris Hall. VTRS initiated their MCI Response Plan and coordinated EMS command, triage, treatment and transportation of about 50 patients. The incident lasted approximately 10.5 hours. 32 patients were mortally wounded and about 20 more were treated and eventually released from local area hospitals. The shooter also took his own life before police approached him.

This event sparked many different concerns amonst the active squad and the VTRS LMAA. Many Alumni and Life Members took time off from work and went to Blacksburg, some as soon as Tuesday morning. There was a strong presence of the LMAA at the squad, providing whatever support the active members needed- including covering duty so that the members could take time to destress and attend greiving sessions. Even more LMAA were in town by the weekend to attend the annual awards banquet on April 21, 2007. The abundance of alumni in town showing their support of the VTRS was instrumental in the begining of the healing for the active members and they repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

The VTRS LMAA continued to provide support operationally by discussing with the active member leadership what would be needed to be done in the following weeks and months. The ideas and brainstorming has led to a focused after-action investigation that will further improve the VTRS and EMS services county wide. The VTRS leadership is working with the campus administration and also the state commisioned review panel. Additional cooperative meetings with other EMS agencies and national groups are expected.

Associated Links

Post Incident Stress and CISD

The LMAA are concerned for the mental health and physical well-being of all the members who responded to the calls of April 16, 2007. Those members were forced to face something that was completely out of the ordinary and was graphically violent. Words can't explain how they were effected, to what level and for how long. We want to ensure that all resources at our disposal are available to our members.

Virginia Tech Rescue Squad
Military Building, Barger St. (0245)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Web Developer: Johnny Wen & David Weand

Emergency DIAL 911
Phone: (540) 231-7138
Fax: (540) 231-6254
Email: vtrescue@vt.edu

DIAL 911 for all EMERGENCIES
540-231-6411 (cell phones)
When do I call for an ambulance?
Is the victim�s condition life-threatening or could it worsen and become life threatening on the way to the hospital? Could moving the victim cause further injury? Does the victim need the skills or equipment of emergency medical technicians? Would distance or traffic conditions cause a delay in getting the victim to the hospital?
If the answer to any of these questions is �yes,� or if you are unsure, it�s best to call an ambulance. EMTs are trained to begin medical treatment on the way to the hospital and can alert the doctors of the patient�s condition in advance.

Example warning signs:
Severe burns, bleeding that won�t stop, severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up or vomiting blood, suicidal or homicidal feelings, difficulty breathing, chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure, fainting or sudden collapse, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision, change in mental status