Available 
Alexandria, VA (February 13, 2026) – Multiple emergency units responded Thursday, February 12, to a mutual aid EMS call along Interstate 395 between Duke St and Seminary Rd. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue dispatched rescue, medic, and engine companies at 4:03 p.m. to assist with a reported medical emergency along the northbound lanes. Crews coordinated across several highway directions as they worked to reach and assist those involved.
Key Details
- Location: Interstate 395 between Duke St and Seminary Rd
- Reported: February 12 at 4:03 p.m.
- Incident type: Mutual aid EMS response
- Responding agencies: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
- Units dispatched: Rescue, medic, engine, and battalion units
- Roadway: I-395 northbound and surrounding lanes
What We Know So Far
- Emergency units were assigned to a mutual aid EMS call along I-395 between Duke St and Seminary Rd.
- Rescue and medic crews responded to assist with a reported medical situation on the highway.
- Radio traffic referenced activity across the northbound and southbound lanes in the area.
- Command coordination was established to manage the response.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact nature of the medical emergency.
- The number of individuals involved.
- Whether any patients were transported to a hospital.
- The duration of any traffic impact along I-395.
Local Context
Interstate 395 is a heavily traveled commuter route connecting Alexandria with Washington, D.C., and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. The stretch between Duke St and Seminary Rd experiences steady traffic throughout the afternoon, especially during peak travel hours. When an EMS incident occurs on this corridor, responders typically position apparatus to shield the scene and create a protective buffer from fast-moving vehicles. Because highway shoulders can be narrow and traffic speeds are high, even a brief response can cause congestion as drivers slow and merge around emergency vehicles.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe area away from active travel lanes if possible and call 911 for medical assistance.
- Stay inside your vehicle when safe and follow instructions from emergency personnel directing traffic.
- Note the exact location and direction of travel while details are fresh.
- Check traffic advisories before returning through the area, as delays may continue after crews clear the scene.
FAQ
Q: Why might early details change after the initial call?
A: Initial information is often based on limited reports, and responders may clarify circumstances once they arrive and assess the situation.
Q: Why do highway incidents create backups so quickly?
A: High traffic volumes and lane restrictions can quickly lead to congestion as vehicles slow and merge around emergency scenes.
Q: What do responders typically do first at an injury or medical scene on a highway?
A: Crews secure the area to protect patients and responders from traffic before beginning medical assessment and treatment.
