News

October 30, 2012

Northern Tier (WENY ) - A local EMS crew is heading down to the devastated areas of New Jersey to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. More reports are coming in from up and down the northeast coast that the devastating damage caused by Superstorm Sandy is widespread. People will be cleaning up for a long time. That's why volunteers from a local volunteer ambulance service are traveling south to help the people of New Jersey recover. The greater valley EMS stationed out of Sayre sent two paramedics and two EMT's down to the affected areas of New Jersey. The teams should be able to give emergency responders down on the coast a break from the action. Just before two o'clock this afternoon Greater Valley EMS Chief Charles Bement got a call from the Pennsylvania department of health. They requested 2 ambulances to go down to New Jersey to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. In a half an hour greater valley had 2 ambulances with 4 responders on their way to the meeting point in Scranton. The crew responded to both Hurricane Katrina and Gustav, so they've been through this before. Once the team gets to New Jersey, they will be responding to 911 calls or any emergency medical calls. They're also part of a strike team consisting of 10 other ambulances services from eastern Pennsylvania. Chief Bement says they are always prepared for situations like this and to help others at the drop of a hat.

      “That’s what our guys and ladies do they respond to a disasters they help each other they help people that need it,” says Bement. “We're ready to go 24/7 weather it's right here in the valley or in this part of new york state and Pennsylvania, or whether its someplace else in the country, we're part of a larger organization larger system that can respond anywhere in the country.”

       The chief says his crew will stay in New Jersey helping for anywhere from three to five days.