Storm recovery group returns from New York

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A local group of medical workers returned from New York this week after giving medical help to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

We've seen the images- New York underwater after the recent superstorm. Now we're hearing the stories of Rhode Islanders who sprung into action for those in need.

• Related: Efforts Stack up for NY Sandy Victims

After Sandy assaulted the East Coast, 30 members of Rhode Island's Disaster Medical Assistance Team were called in to help victims recover.

"You get the call, and you're off, so you have to do whatever you have to do," said DMAT leader Peter Fucci.

The group was there for nearly two weeks, medically helping more than 600 people at the Brooklyn Armory. They mostly treated elderly people, suffering from anything from physiological disorders to daily sicknesses.

"You're busy enough that you don't worry," said Fucci. "The emotional attachment or feelings, you don't have time for. You're there to work 16 hours a day."

Outside of the armory, Fucci says that Brooklyn came to help.

"I can never be more impressed with any community in my life, the community was amazing," he said.

Fucci tells us that as the response went on and disaster was around them, there were plenty of uplifting moments.

"They were playing classical music live, some people playing violin," he added. "It really changed the mood of the shelter, it was fantastic."

The relief team was there as part of the federal government. Fucci says that he and many of the team members are considering going back, but this time as volunteers.