Disaster Response

Willing in a time of need

Disaster response has come in two forms of service for EMHC: readiness within the community and response to crises beyond. In the Mid-South, EMHC provides emergency back-up operations to Memphis Medcom, the area medical communications center. EMHC supplies the necessary communications and staffing for emergency communications should the need arise.

EMHC has willingly stepped in to serve areas beyond our region as called upon by communities in need. Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav are two natural disasters to which EMHC has responded.

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    Hurricane Katrina — The day after the storm hit New Orleans, LA, EMHC was asked to dispatch 7 ambulances to Slidell, LA for the transportation and care of hurricane victims. EMHC ultimately transported 40 patients to Memphis for care, as well as to many other hospitals within Louisiana, during that time.
  • Hurricane Gustav — As Gustav approached the Gulf Coast, FEMA decided to evacuate the area of New Orleans. EMHC provided EMS service and worked in conjunction with the Memphis Fire Department and other local agencies to provide assistance to evacuees and place them in Memphis area shelters. This mission was very successful as all the evacuees’ medical needs were met.