Local first responders are venturing far from home to help those in need.
Crews from Murrysville Medic One, Rostraver West Newton Ambulance and Fayette EMS departed for Florida Monday evening as part of a national EMS response plan to provide assistance during Hurricane Ian.
Ian became a major hurricane and made landfall near La Coloma, Cuba, early Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. FEMA anticipates Hurricane Ian to bring a “life-threating storm surge, hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall” to Florida by the middle of the week.
Fayette EMS sent three crews, three ambulances and medical supplies, according to a release from the department.
Crews are expected to be on a 14-day activation, but will stay in the area as long as needed. They will be working under the guidance of FEMA, state and local EMS agencies.
“As first responders, we provide care to those in need, so being able to help provide assistance to residents and communities being impacted by this disaster is an honor,” said Fayette EMS Chief Rick Adobato in the release. “While we are deploying resources to some of the hardest hit areas, this will not affect our ability to continue providing timely medical care for our communities in Fayette County.”
This isn’t the first time these area rescue teams have headed south to lend a helping hand. Crews from Fayette EMS and Murrysville Medic One traveled to South Carolina in September 2018 to help with Hurricane Florence efforts.
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