Articles 2000's

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Albany Student Press: Issue 3 Friday, October 5, 2001

Title: Five Quad called to service

Image: 6 FQVAS members stand in uniform in front of 2 ambulances, American flag in background

By Ginger Hanson Contributing Writer

Albany's Five Quad ambulance service brought relief to rescue workers at Ground Zero, in response to a request from the State Emergency Management Association (SEMA), on September 14. The six-member team of Five-Quad president Dan Banks, Lt. Andrew Favone, Captain Abbas Gokal, Robert Carpenter, Matt Field and Andy (?) treated NYC rescue workers for everything from burns to mental breakdowns.

The World Trade tragedy conjured up a myriad emotions in the hearts and souls of people across the world. Sorrow, anger, and disbelief were some of the most common, but one feeling seemed to be universal: helplessness. No one knew exactly what to do and everyone was desperate to help. With SEMA's call, Five Quad members felt they finally had a chance to help.

The dedicated crew arrived on Saturday morning and worked relentlessly until dark, administering emergency medical service to fire fighters and other rescue workers at the site. The team treated lacerations, burns, broken bones rescue workers sustained while digging through the rubble, and, of course, they waited in hope that someone would be pulled from the wreckage alive. The absence of survivors was disappointing, but didn't daunt the tireless heroes.

Once the rescue workers weere cared for, they went right back to work. "One fire fighter was badly burned," recalls Banks. "He should have gone to the hospital, but he refused to leave."

The professionally trained EMS's [were?] on stand-by Tuesday Sept 11, and Friday the 14th, when they received the call. Waiting for SEMA to contact them was difficult, explained Gokall. "As an EMS, when you see someone hurt you want to help," he said. "We were relieved to be able to do what we were trained to do, what we were [intended?] to do."

"Everyone was very appreciative and happy to see us," Carpenter said, ading the the outstanding display of appreciation, along with dedication and hope, motivated the crew. "People were lined up on the streets as we drove in, holding signs that said 'We Love You' and cheering," he said. "We were all a little but nervous going in, but [?] to be able to help. We couldn't wait to get down there."

Despite the spirit-lifting unity of the rescue teams, Ground Zero was still a somber place. Debris, crushed fire engines and ambulances, billowing clouds of smoke, and heartbroken family members posting "missing" signs [??], giving the movie-like scene a bitter dose of reality.

"It was like a war zone, post destruction," was the way Favone described Ground Zero. The surreal landscape depicted a war zone to most of the crew, a horrifying sight that is doubtless as unforgettable as it is terrifying.

The [?] and heroic services of Five-Quad...of emergency care services, and should serve as a source of pride for all UAlbany students. Their presence at Ground Zero, as well as on campus, is comforting{?) in this terrible time of mourning and recovery.