Brent Smith, Hopkins County EMS Director updates Hospital District Board on the work of Hopkins County AMBUS and the Hopkins County six paramedics in South Texas. KSST’s thanks to Joe Bob Burgin, Board Member for this message from Smith:
“A quick update; the Ambus has fortunately got some rest this evening. We returned to staging in San Antonio around 1800 Friday. Sleep and dinner was been the majority of the agenda this evening. State of Texas has deployed 3 MMU’s (mobile medical units) these are the big tent hospitals and are currently on there way to San Antonio staging.
“I have not seen a disaster deployment this size with as many assets as this since Hurricane Ike in 2007. Staging is at the AT&T Center in San Antonio and every parking lot around the complex is full of over 350 Coach Buses, 300 ambulances, all State Ambuses, hundreds of DPS vehicles, 6 USAR (Rescue teams) 4 from other states. It is all pretty impressive on how Texas is able to spin up resources and brace for a historic storm of this nature. All EMS staff are doing well with no issues.
“I have been told to be ready to start busting out of staging by daybreak which I am sure the entire complex of parking lots will be vacant by 0900 Saturday morning and the entire Task Force will be distributed throughout the region on assignments. Winds have to drop down in areas below 70 mph before EMS ambulances and buses can arrive due to safety, but the USAR teams will be in front of the rest of us. The next 48 hours will be I am afraid fast and furious.
“My staff here in San Antonio and also back in Hopkins County are proud to be serving our fellow Texans. I will try and keep you updated as we move forward. Enjoy your weekend! Mine I am sure will be interesting.
“One last thing, I want to thank each of you personally for the support you both continue to show Hopkins County EMS, staff and myself, as we always strive to be the best!”
First day photo
