Orlando trauma doctor looks back on the night of the Pulse nightclub shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando Health trauma surgeon, who worked the morning of June 12, 2016, returned to the site of the Pulse nightclub to mark nine years since the terror attack.

Chadwick Smith was called to the hospital after the mass shooting first happened and said the moments still resonate with him all these years later.

[REMEMBER: Learn more about Pulse victims | Orlando honors]

“Everybody in that situation has a job to do, but they’re going through the emotional horror of what’s going on, and everyone is pulling together and working as a team to take care of patients and save lives,” Smith said. That’s the most impactful thing.”

The visit came as survivors and family members of victims were able to visit inside the Pulse building for the second day.

The city of Orlando took ownership of the property in 2023 and plans to demolish the building later this year to begin construction on a permanent memorial.

[WATCH BELOW: Pulse survivor opts not to go inside nightclub]

Smith offered a message for those who have been impacted by the tragedy.

“We’re here for whatever happens in our community. We are proud to have been there for them and will continue to be here,” Smith said.

According to the city, family members of 25 of the 49 victims requested a private visit inside the former nightclub.

The visits continue through Saturday, and the city said a permanent memorial is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

[VIDEO BELOW: Ribbons honor 49 slain inside Pulse]