By Georgia Osten
Last year, Jeep Weekend threatened to happen two weekends in a row. It falls the weekend after The Texas Crab Festival. Galveston County ESD2 prepared for each weekend. This year, meetings and preparations began over a month ago. We ordered extra supplies, knowing we would get between 120-130 extras to come in to assist. We had representatives from TexSAR, SETRAC, Medical Jets, other neighboring organizations like Ft. Bend, Chambers and Winnie EMS. EMS at the Crystal Beach Station set up cots in the big conference room, the Fire Department office, the District Manager set up a cot in his office, there was even talk that a cot might be set up in my office.
Our EMS Supervisor, Ruthann, began ordering supplies from Sam’s like extra paper towels and toilet paper, paper plates, extra water jugs from Sparkletts, chips, burgers and hot dogs, cases and cases of Gatorade. Robin brought all the water, Gator Ade and snack bars left over from the Texas Crab Festival 5K race. I had a lot of ham & cheese sliders, some spaghetti and lots of cookies left over from our family assistance during Crab Fest, so all that ended up over here as well. To help offset the costs of providing food and shelter for all who assisted, monetary donations poured in from Siddons-Martin, and other organizations around the community.
A triage tent with its own generator was set up at the back of the station. EMS had to rent an extra ambulance. PHI provided the helicopter. It arrived on Friday and stationed over in front of Road & Bridge. I heard sirens all night Saturday night and into the early morning hours. Praying these medics would survive the long hours and raucous behavior of all these uninvited visitors! There were close to 100 medical calls and several life flight transports.
Monday morning, the station looks back to normal. The refrigerator is empty, something exploded in the microwave, the kitchen is a little messy, but I’m sure they’ll have it cleaned up in no time.
Ironic, but Sunday was the beginning of EMS Week, which began in 1974 by President Gerald Ford. This marks the 49th year celebrating the EMS profession and its dedicated providers.
If you see them out and about in the community, please take the time to walk over and give them a pat on the back and thank them for their untiring service.
[GO: May-23-2023]
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Thks for all ya’ll do along w/GCSO officers during Jeep Weekend!