ETMC EMS Responds to Explosion

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center EMS plays a big response role following the explosion disaster in West. The Tyler-based ambulance service dispatches in that area. Communications Director Chad Richey tells KTBB his troops got on the job quickly and had plenty of work to do. He says ETMC EMS alone transported 91 total patients — 14 critical, 30 intermediate, and 47 “walking wounded”-type individuals. Richey adds that ETMC EMS is the primary ambulance coverage for the West area until further notice, as the area works to get its trucks and personnel back in order. Also, the Tyler-based eastern regional director for ETMC EMS has been dispatched to take over medical command duties. Those duties had been handled by the Waco regional director for ETMC EMS.