Photos: Heroes Thank Heroes

Dozens of state and local police, fire and medical first responders gathered outside Inova Alexandria to thank the hospital's staff.

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George Mason University Police first put out the call to request a gathering to thank the workers at Inova Alexandria Hospital for the work they're doing to help combat coronavirus. 

More than 100 people — along with dozens of police, fire and medical vehicles from the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Fire Department, Alexandria Sheriff's Department, Virginia State Police and federal law enforcement — joined George Mason University Police in the parking lots outside the Inova Alexandria Emergency Department 6 - 7:15 p.m. Tuesday with posters and cheers for hospital staff.

Nurses and doctors who came out to applause from their first-responder colleagues said the hospital is very, very busy inside as residents seek help for breathing problems caused by COVID-19, the illness associated with this novel coronavirus. 

A federal law enforcement helicopter did multiple fly-bys overhead. 

Like in other areas of the country, Alexandria residents are calling 911 less often these days, according to EMS Operations Manager Brian Hricik. The calls that do come in are now more serious in nature, as residents delay calls for medical assistance. 

Hricik said that people should not hesitate to call 911 for real emergencies — such as a stroke, possible heart attack, loss of consciousness, choking or other life-threatening situations. "We can bring the hospital to your bedside," Hricik said, emphasizing the level of equipment in Alexandria's ambulances. "It's really an extension of the hospital."