January 27, 2025
Matthew Tirschwell Rescues Passenger Hit by Subway Car
Above: News report from WPIX
Lighting designer and volunteer EMT assists a critically injured man on the NYC subway tracks
Matthew Tirschwell, the owner of Tirschwell & Co. Inc., an award-winning architectural lighting design firm with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, demonstrated remarkable courage and presence of mind when he assisted an injured subway passenger on January 19 at the 86th Street subway station in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Known for his architectural lighting and controls expertise, Tirschwell also serves as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT), routinely carrying first aid equipment.

Above: Matthew Tirschwell, Tirschwell & Co, Inc.
Returning from a business trip to Los Angeles, where his firm had recently expanded, Tirschwell chose to take the subway from JFK Airport to his Upper East Side home — a less glamourous alternative to the black car service many successful business owners might use for the trip across Queens. A self-proclaimed “big fan of public transit,” Tirschwell’s routine decision unexpectedly placed him at the center of a life-or-death emergency on this Friday evening.
As he headed to the elevator to exit the subway station with his luggage, Tirschwell heard a commotion near the platform. A man had fainted, fallen onto the tracks, and was struck by an incoming train. Without hesitation, Tirschwell moved toward the incident, aware that responding quickly would be critical.
Assessing Danger and Acting Fast
One of the greatest hazards in subway emergencies is the third rail, which powers New York City’s trains with high-voltage electricity. Inside Lighting had an in-depth phone conversation with Tirschwell on January 24, during which he detailed the calculated risk he took in jumping onto the tracks.
“I didn’t have the time or means to verify that the third rail’s electricity had been disabled,” he said. “But when I saw the train conductor already on the tracks, I took that as a sign that the rail had been shut down and that it was safe to act.”
Instagram Reel above shows the scene of the incident. CAUTION: Graphic footage of amputee
The presence of the conductor gave him the confidence to move onto the tracks, but the uncertainty of the situation highlighted the high stakes. Tirschwell’s quick judgment and courage in those critical moments allowed him to focus on the victim, whose lower leg had been completely severed by the train.

Above: Matthew Tirschwell treats victim under MTA railcar Photo credit: @nomakeupnolashesnaturalbeauty on Instagram, Sarah Chaney
From his EMT bag, which includes a blood pressure cuff, Narcan, an EpiPen, and a tourniquet, Tirschwell retrieved the tourniquet. Recognizing that the man’s severe blood loss gave him only minutes to act, Tirschwell applied the tourniquet to control the bleeding. When asked how he managed to handle the gruesomeness of the situation, Tirschwell calmly explained that it didn’t faze him.
Witnesses described the man as drifting in and out of consciousness, while first responders noted that without the tourniquet, the man likely would have bled to death within minutes.
Tirschwell’s Calm Under Pressure
First responders arrived approximately 15 minutes later, during which time Tirschwell stabilized the victim and continued monitoring his condition. Although the situation was chaotic, his training as an EMT enabled him to focus solely on the task at hand.
“We proudly recognize the heroic actions of EMT Matthew Tirschwell, who displayed extraordinary bravery and selflessness in saving a fellow New Yorker who fell onto the subway tracks. His quick thinking, courage, and commitment to serving others embody the highest ideals of our profession as EMS clinicians.”
— Jesus Rodriguez, Board Chair
Gotham Volunteer Emergency Medical Services
Tirschwell noted that he has not been in contact with the victim since the incident and has no plans to reach out but said he would certainly be open to hearing from him.
Balancing Lighting Design & EMT Service
This is not the first time Tirschwell’s work as an EMT has brought him into the public eye. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was featured by the Washington Post for his volunteer work in Queens, providing emergency medical care during an unprecedented public health crisis.
Meanwhile, his architectural lighting firm, Tirschwell & Co. Inc., has earned a stellar reputation for designing innovative lighting systems for projects across the country. The firm currently employs eight people across its two offices. While Tirschwell’s architectural lighting projects illuminate high end residential and commercial spaces across the country, his life-saving actions that evening illuminated the extraordinary impact one person can have when prepared to act.
If Tirschwell hadn’t been on the 4 train that particular Friday, a man may have lost his life.