Just an alert for news people. Apparently the National Association for Emergency Medical Technicians was holding its Annual Meeting August 23-27 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
All is not rosey as reports are that the EMTs -- the folks who drive your ambulances -- were not told of the impending emergency or evacuation orders by their leadership. Further reports from the EMS sites say that the EMTs stuck in the city are not being recruited to help out other than taking care of people stuck in their hotels.
Apparently there is an inability by those on the scene to think on their feet. But EMTs are pretty resourceful bunch, and I know they will make a difference wherever they are.
Update [2005-8-31 21:39:40 by makemefree]: Further information says that EMS personnel should not "self-dispatch" -- or go to the area by themselves looking to help -- that anybody looking to help should work through their local organizations, such as the Red Cross.
Update [2005-8-31 22:7:29 by makemefree]:I didn't know if there would be a lot of interest in this. Obviously there is. See more at
The EMS Network home page
Update [2005-8-31 22:13:49 by makemefree]:Now this shocking plea from the EMS Network:
New Orleans area OES director pleads for food/water for his ops
The normally unflappable Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Director Walter Maestri broke into tears as he broadcast a call to help for anyone who could offer food or water to officials at the parish's emergency operations center in Marrero.
Maestri said anyone who can help with the necessities of life for workers at the center can call (504) 349-5360.
Maestri said the water situation is so dire that like many people in the parish and the area, they are trapped in the center.