EMS Crews to Feel Katrina`s Fury for Years

Staffing shortages, extended time in emergency departments, and increased call volumes are among issues facing EMS departments.

"It will be five to 10 years before we reach pre-Katrina status," said Steve Filipe, emergency services coordinator in a Louisiana region that includes Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.

Since many hospitals have not re-opened, and those that have are short-staffed, ambulance crews are spending more time in the emergency room. That often results in a delayed response to the next patient.

The added stress has taken its toll on providers, many of whom have quit, retired or pushed ahead career change plans. "We could hire 150 paramedics tomorrow," he said.

Responders are seeing a significant increase in the number of anxiety cases as people struggle to piece their lives back together.

Katrina also pushed the staffing enhancement plan ahead of schedule in another area. "We were already planning to expand our service because of normal growth here. But, we moved it up," said Mark Olson, public education manager for East Baton Rouge Parish EMS.

Last August, EMS personnel handled about 115 calls daily. When New Orleans residents evacuated, and sought refuge in Baton Rouge, the responses surged to 300. Olson said the disaster plan was implemented, and the shifts adjusted in an effort to handle the onslaught.

"We were inundated," he said, adding that when many got to Baton Rouge, they stopped. "I guess they figured 70 miles was enough. That's how far we are away from New Orleans."

EMS personnel were forced to modify their operations. They often triaged, and treated people in place rather than transport everyone to a medical facility. A field hospital was eventually established on the LSU campus. However, getting there was a challenge.

Doctors and nurses, including many volunteers from other areas, signed up for duty at the makeshift hospital.

And, people also turned to EMS for help with other issues as well. "There were a lot of problems. We were liaisons for many organizations," Olson said, adding that you have to be prepared for many roles.

While they had a plan and activated it, Baton Rouge said they've been taxed beyond belief. No one imagined the operation would go on as long as it did, and that they would still be impacted.

The shelters have closed. But several FEMA trailer parks have opened and many of those residents are elderly or have special needs.

Officials say they have applied for federal funds to help offset expenses involved with Katrina.

In Harrison County, Miss., fire/rescue departments also are seeing not only an increase in EMS calls but a longer wait for an ambulance and advanced life support.

Rescuers, already stretched thin throughout the hurricane-ravaged region, are seeing a significant increase in wrecks, heart attacks and stress-related issues, said George Mixon, county fire marshal.

He said all trucks carry AEDs, and the majority of personnel are EMTs or first responders. They handle basic patient care until an ambulance arrives which some days can take 15-20 minutes. In some instances, helicopters also are dispatched.

And, Mixon said morale is low as rescuers struggle to keep up with the demands, both at home and at their stations.