Toby Nelson, DMAT CA-6, "The Expectant Room"

In October 2005, The Historic New Orleans Collection initiated Through Hell and High Water: Katrina's First Responders Oral History Project, partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to document their experiences. The interviews done as part of this project reflect the disaster’s painful, chaotic, and murky aftermath. They cast a wide net over this important event and reveal many potential avenues for further research. Interview excerpts from six agencies are provided here. The Collection’s intent is not to make judgments or to interpret events, but to permit contemplation. Full interviews and transcriptions are available on the THNOC online catalog. "The Expectant Room" Toby Nelson, Chaplain, Disaster Medical Assistance Team, CA-6 January 20, 2007 In this interview, Nelson recalls working in the “expectant area” at the airport and Superdome. Dozens of those evacuated from nursing homes were placed in what was essentially a makeshift morgue where they awaited death. After Nelson visited and prayed with these people, he concluded that many seemed savable and petitioned to have them re-triaged and possibly removed. He was largely unsuccessful in his efforts. Excerpted from: Oral history interview with Toby Nelson, 2007 January 20; interviewed by Mark Cave for the Through Hell and High Water: Katrina's First Responders Oral History Project, MSS 571.5.1.11, Williams Research Center, The Historic New Orleans Collection Slideshow created by The Historic New Orleans Collection for: Katrina+5: Documenting Disaster An exhibition presented by The Historic New Orleans Collection May 12−September 12, 2010