BU volunteers-turned first responders contribute to this year's Marathon

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Some of Boston University's physical therapy and athletic training students worked at the medical tent on the day of the Boston Marathon bombings. The group expected to deal with sore muscles and maybe hypothermia, but they ended up responding to much, much more.

When the finish line became the front line of a terror attack, students volunteering at the medical tent suddenly became first responders.

"Everything that day was scary and shocking," said Liz Rathje, one of the students at the scene. "The people and the city, everyone, came together and everyone acted to help each other out."

Also running into the action was Larry Venis, the Head Athletic Trainer at Boston University. He had about 20 students with him that day.

Larry ripped down barricades to help get to victims, then ran back and forth for medical supplies.

One of Larry's students pushed Marathon survivor in a wheel chair. A photo of Bauman in the chair with Carlos Arredondo walking beside him is one of the most memorable photos from the tragic day. The student who helped them didn't want to talk about her experience, shying away from the unexpected celebrity her selfless response generated.

"We crossed into this terrible situation and didn't have time to process it until much later," said Larry.

Student volunteer Liz Rathje is still processing it one year later, choosing to run the Marathon for the first time with her brother. Liz told FOX 25 said seeing the strength and resilience of those affected has given her the strength and a reason to run this year.

Larry will be right back in the medical tent.

Cox Media Group