Four volunteers from Starke County Emergency Medical Services have stepped up to help with hurricane relief efforts in the south.
Starke County EMS Director Jim Garner formally asked the Starke County Commissioners Monday night for permission to send the volunteers and the transfer ambulance to stage in areas where disaster relief is needed as directed by FEMA.
Garner said Global Medical Response (GMR) will be working with FEMA and Starke County where they will reimburse the county for fuel costs, lodging and other aspects while assisting those in need who have suffered as a result of severe weather from the hurricanes.
Garner stressed that the ambulance will be covered under the county’s insurance as he checked with the county’s provider and that paperwork will be provided to FEMA.
The volunteers could be gone for as little as 72 hours and up to two weeks. Garner noted that there will be no strain on staff, and they will be following county protocols.
Garner told WKVI News that the volunteers have not yet been deployed as paperwork is being filtered through FEMA.
The commissioners unanimously approved Garner’s request.
