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Responders describe chaotic scene in DCFEMS film of Jan. 6 insurrection

In the video, department members recall stolen supplies, being spat on while treating the injured

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By Rachel Engel

WASHINGTON — A new documentary-style video released by DC Fire & EMS Department recounts the chaotic scene first responders encountered when responding to the riot at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6.

Through first-person accounts, first responders tell the story of their attempts to provide emergency care amid the violence, ABC News reported. The video, published on YouTube, documents the medical treatment of the five individuals who died during the incident.

The chronological account of the insurrection also highlights the surprise nature of the scene.

“The resources we had in place were quickly overwhelmed,” Deputy Fire Chief Daniel McCoy says in the opening minutes of the video.

Paramedic Sgt. Alethea Brooks described the hostility she encountered, recalling how she was spat on and called racial slurs.

“You always know there are people that you have to help regardless, it doesn’t matter if you’re a murderer,” she said. “It’s our job to not judge and we’re just here to help. But it definitely makes it harder when you know that the people that you’re helping are actually harming our brothers – our brothers in blue – and have no regard for me.”

Paramedic Rocco Gabriele said his gear was taken while he was treating a patient.

“We did what we could with what we had and we did it fast,” he said.

View the full film from DC Fire & EMS below:

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