Team of Four EMTs Traveling to Help with Pope`s Philadelphia Visit
Sept. 24--TROY -- A team of four EMTs from Western Alliance Emergency Services, Inc. in Troy are headed to Philadelphia to help out with the Pope's visit.
Western Alliance Operations Director Jim Cook said the EMTs will provide EMS support for the city of Philadelphia during Pope Francis' visit Saturday and Sunday.
"It's a wonderful opportunity," he said, on Wednesday evening, at Western Alliance's headquarters on Canton Street in Troy.
According to Cook, Northeastern EMS of Pennsylvania, Region 5, contacted Western Alliance about helping out.
"They asked us if we could field a crew," he explained.
The EMTs who will provide the EMS support during the Pope's visit are Mark Steckiel of West Burlington, Mary Sturdevant of Herrickville, Rhonda Howell of Gillett and Bobby Johnson of Canton.
Cook said they will man first aid stations and transport ill or injured people, as needed.
The EMTs are prepared for a staggering turnout.
According to an Associated Press article, papal visit planners estimate that up to 1.5 million people could come to Philadelphia for Sunday's outdoor Mass.
Sturdevant was aware of the anticipated crowd, and she liked being able to provide a service to the community. Howell thought it would be a fun experience, and "something new."
The EMTs will work in teams of two, for around 12-hour shifts, Steckiel said. They are taking one ambulance with them, he noted.
Cook said that Western Alliance has provided EMS support before, in Louisiana twice for hurricane relief and also in New Jersey for support in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
However, he said this is the first time Western Alliance has been deployed in its home state.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
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