The NAEMT Foundation’s EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund has begun a holiday fund-raising campaign to help EMTs and paramedics in parts of the U.S. ravaged by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
“Many EMS professionals from the areas affected by this year’s hurricanes are living and working amid great loss,” said Jim Allen, EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund administrator. “Many have lost their homes and personal possessions, and are living and working under difficult conditions. Some have been separated from their families, as spouses and children have been forced to relocate to communities where schools were not damaged.”
“Contrary to some news reports, most EMS professionals are not leaving the area, but are staying on to work in the communities they know and love,” said NAEMT President, Ken Bouvier, who has been working daily in New Orleans since Katrina struck in August. Despite the difficult circumstances, Bouvier reports that there has been very little turnover and EMTs and paramedics continue to show up to help others.
The EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund will distribute money this holiday season to EMS workers in need and is seeking donations from individuals, organizations and businesses. “Helping the people who are out there everyday taking care of others is a great gift to give during the holidays,” said Allen. “EMS workers have been the real heroes of these disasters.”
The EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund is administered by the NAEMT Foundation, a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund was established after 9-11 and disseminated $107,553 to the families of the EMS workers who died responding to the terrorist attacks.
Credit card donations can be made online. Donations may also be made by phone at (800) 346-2368. Checks should be made payable to EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund and mailed c/o NAEMT Foundation, P.O. Box 1400, Clinton, MS 39060-1400.