Even before ambulance sirens filled the Medical Center, care for those hurt in the Montrose area accident started. As paramedics rushed the scene, uninjured firefighter relied on their EMS training and began treating others.
"They really shifted into their EMS role and started treating the civilians and the other firefighters," said Assistant Chief Omero Longoria with the Houston Fire Department.
In all, Houston emergency services transported 11 patients -- two civilians and 9 firefighters.
"It's tragic what took place today," said Dr. David Persse with Houston EMS. "We're hoping that everyone recovers."
Paramedics took some of the worst hurt to Memorial Hermann Hospital, including cyclist, Leigh Boone, who was crushed when the ladder truck toppled over. She remains in critical condition.
Doctors at Hermann also treated three of the injured firefighters. HFD personnel waited anxiously for word of some of their conditions.
"HFD is one big family, so when one of us is injured, the rest of us are here to support the family, the firefighters and we've seen that a lot today," said Persse.
HFD and city officials were also on hand to support the families of the civilians in the crash. The driver of the car smashed by the fire truck was well enough to be released just hours after the accident.
"I hope all Houstonians will keep in their thoughts and prayers the firefighters and also the civilians, the residents, who were involved in this serious accident," said Houston Mayor Bill White.
The two firefighters still in the hospital are said to be in good condition. Houston police are looking into who's at fault and whether the Opticom system that speeds up the traffic light cycle for emergency vehicles was working properly.
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