Fire, EMS agencies share messages of support in the aftermath of Texas tragedy

An outpouring of support from the first responder community follows the fatal shooting of 19 children and two teachers at a Uvalde elementary school

Our thoughts are with the families and the first responders impacted by the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Learn more about this response and supporting members' mental health in times of crisis with these incident analyses:

In "Uvalde shooting: Echoes of Sandy Hook for responders and parents," Greg Friese, MS, NRP, offers gratitude for the teachers, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, hospital personnel, pilots and other helpers who aided injured children, and looks to what comes next.
In "Uvalde aftermath: What should we do today?" Rob Lawrence encourages EMS leaders to take steps now to protect members from future tragedy, writing, "Sadly, this isn’t the last time we will see these headlines, but for us, today, put the tourniquet away and focus on the heart and soul of those in our charge.”
In "Rapid response: 5 ways to be prepared for a MCI in your community," Chief Rob Wylie details why
swift triage, being good at the basics and a plan for exfiltrating the wounded are essential steps to immediate lifesaving measures.

By Rachel Engel

UVALDE, Texas — Following Tuesday's mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in which 19 children and two teachers were killed, first responder organizations shared their support on social media, focusing on the emotional impact on those who provided immediate assistance and the unimaginable horror facing the families of the victims.

first responder support

The Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department raised an American flag to half-mast to show support for the community.

https://www.facebook.com/UvaldeVolunteerFireDepartment/videos/1049787279253154

Other fire departments and EMS agencies near and far shared their support for Uvalde via social media.

https://www.facebook.com/SANANTONIOFIREDEPARTMENT/posts/374886184674328

Our hearts are broken from the unimaginable events in Uvalde... Keeping all those impacted in our hearts, thoughts and prayers! pic.twitter.com/3f2ays5V4l
— MedStar EMS Alerts (@MedStarEMSInfo) May 25, 2022

We are heartbroken for the Uvalde CISD community and the families affected. The students, staff, and parents of Robb Elementary are in our prayers and we stand with #UvaldeCISD. Here at home, there will be increased police patrols around our schools. #EveryMemberSafe in EMS ISD. pic.twitter.com/xAr8ees8pb
— EMS ISD (@EMSISD) May 25, 2022

https://www.facebook.com/concanfiredepartment/posts/379902720822013

https://www.facebook.com/kerrvillefiredepartment/posts/154269393782544

https://www.facebook.com/ccemstx/posts/5249867765074975

Our hearts ache for the families and community affected by the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are also with our public safety family in Texas, who responded to the unimaginable today. pic.twitter.com/7HNjIJLzY5
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 24, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with Uvalde, Tx. This is a horrific and tragic incident that no one should ever experience. We lift our prayers to the parents, children, school staff and police/fire/EMS that responded.
— Cy-Fair Fire Department (@cyfairfd) May 24, 2022

Mandeville Fire/EMS offers our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all involved in this tragedy. #Uvalde pic.twitter.com/hbJusWqqZn
— Mandeville Fire/EMS (@stpfd4) May 25, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, loved ones, and everyone affected by the horrible shooting tragedy that took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 🤍🤍🤍
— AlamoCityEM (@AlamoCityEM) May 25, 2022