NEW YORK CITY (WTHR) — For weeks, first responders have been overwhelmed in New York City, trying to keep up with a record number of medical 911 calls.
Thousands each day.
Ken Jackson of Cicero knew he could help.
“Our crews are spread out across the city,” he said on his way to check on some of his 65 paramedics and EMTs now in New York City helping local medics.
More than 20 of their “Heartland Ambulance Service” ambulances can be seen any time of day on the ground there.
“I think that its ingrained in what we do,” Jackson said. “EMS everyday … we are taking care of people and helping people.”
The company employs about 200 people. The others remain on the job and in service throughout Indiana.
Bringing a piece of the heartland to other parts of the country in times of need isn’t new for them. Over the years, Jackson said his crews have responded to hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires. This, though, is a new one.
“This was a first for all of us,” he said. “A scary first. And I'm blown away by the bravery of our team of men and women who've come out here."
Medics are working everyday without much time off. Taking turns getting rest, showering and cleaning uniforms when they can.
Normally, Jackson said New York City gets 4,000 911 medical calls a day. Multiple reports show, in recent weeks, that number has reached as high as 6,500 in a day.
“It’s been pretty taxing,” Jackson said.
But the locals are grateful.
In a Facebook post that had been shared about 5,000 times by April 17, an NYPD officer appears in a picture with a Heartland ambulance behind him.
Proof that even in the toughest of times, the Hoosier spirit knows no boundaries.
“We’re not going to leave the city until they don't need us,” Jackson said. “They’ll let us know.”