KTBS 3 News | Shreveport, LA: ArkLaTex News - Medical volunteers flood shelters during Gustav

Posted: Sep 8, 2008 9:41 PM
Updated: Sep 8, 2008 12:00 AM

They're physically and emotionally exhausted. You've heard that about the evacuees at area shelters during the flee from Hurricane Gustav. Its also true for the medical volunteers.

Dr. Phillip Rozeman is the medical director of the Northwest Louisiana Medical Reserve Corps. He says, The miracle to me was that 200 to 300 healthcare workers in the city came to these shelters. And remember that medical care is a 24/7 job, so they were coming after their work to take care of the people in these shelters.

Terry Strain, Coordinator of the Northwest Louisiana Medical Reserve Corps, stayed at the former Sam's Club shelter for a week, treating patients. Sherri Hagerhjelm, a nurse, stayed the entire week at the former sports outlet mall shelter. We've been sleeping up there. We've had a presence 24 hours a day, says Strain, a physicians assistant.

The relentless care from these volunteers was met with a mixture of gratitude and downright rudeness.

And if Hurricane Ike triggers another evacuation? Strain says, Were ready to do it again if we need to.