WSAZ | Ohio | News

Local Paramedics Helping with Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

IRONTON, Oh (WSAZ) --- Honor, duty and a sense of community. For paramedics and EMT workers, that pretty much sums up the driving force of their jobs.

"It's what we do; help people," Alan Mullins, with Patriot Ambulance said. "It's just a way of life."

Mullins is part of a crew from Ironton, Ohio who's up in the New York City Metro Area, helping provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Back in Ironton, there's an empty spot in the ambulance bay. It may be that way for weeks.

"The guy who sends them worries a lot," David Rotter with Patriot Ambulance said. "They're in areas where there's no cell phone coverage. All we have a tracking device on satellite. So, when you don't hear from them, at least you know they're moving."

There are still millions around the country without power. Hundreds of thousands, left homeless by this powerful storm. Patriot Ambulance has helped evacuate local hospitals and nursing homes with no power.

"The people here are glad to see us," Mullins said. "It's nice to be appreciated."

There's a chance the crew could be in the NY Metro area until closer to Thanksgiving. It will be FEMA providing them with orders.

When the come back, the crew brings with it, life lessons as well.

"It gives us the opportunity to practice. What it does, heaven forbid, is if something should happen here, we have people who are trained and experienced," Mullins said. "Training's great; experience is better."

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