Our call volume has doubled and every single ambulance is running calls nonstop. Many Austin medics are now working 24+ hours on 24 hours off and have not been home in days. Most places are closed and medics do not have time to search for food right now. Our goal is to get food to the hospitals where medics are dropping off patients and hospital workers are working long hours. We are also seeking donations for food to bring to EMS/Fire Stations for those first responders who are stranded at their station also who have to wait until roads are passable to go home to places outside of Austin.
*UPDATE on 2/17/21 at 9:30pm: Thank you to all who have generously donated to our campaign in the last 24 hours to help us meet our goal. Due to greater need due to hospital closures, loss of water at several stations, and other serious critical issues due to the ongoing storm, we have increased our fundraising goal from $15,000 to $25,000. All of these funds will be used to purchase food for EMS/Fire Stations and Hospital break rooms for those first responders and hospital staff. Should any funds remain, they will go directly to support any emergency relief needs related to the storm wherever the need is greatest.
**UPDATE on 2/18/21 at 12:30pm: We have had an overwhelming response from people across the country to support our medics. We have increased our goal again and because of you we will be able to locate and provide additional food and water to more hospitals and wherever it is needed most in the community. Many are without water at this time so if you have access to water bottles or jugs, please contact us so we can help deliver to hospitals that need it most. Please know that all of your support is going toward basic needs during this time. Thank you to all who are coming together right now.
Contact: Rachael Garbowski at [email protected].
The Austin EMS Relief Fund is operated by the Austin EMS Association. Should you prefer to make a donation by check, please mail to:
Austin EMS Association
ATTN: Relief Fund
310 Comal St, Bldg A
Suite 200 #239
Austin TX 78702