Hospital Blizzard Transport Crew

[Patrolman]

Local hospitals are usually in need of 4x4's to transport critical nursing staff to/from their homes during blizzards. This is because they have to be a 24 hour facility and usually when the blizzard hits, there is only enough staff for the shift on duty. That means that shift might have to work 24-72 hours until their replacements can get into work. Obviously relief staff can be critical. The same likely holds true for nursing homes, etc.

Usually this would be a pretty easy "volunteer" task. Only happens every few years or more where 4x4's are needed. "Typically" the facility will reimburse for fuel costs as well. A good way to assist the community without a major commitment while putting our vehicles to great use! The best news is that usually school/work is called off anyway and this beats being stuck at home!

We could all work individually, select 1 hospital we all want to work with, or we could "bundle" in small teams at different hospitals/clinics.

[Funrover]

I am part of the "Colorado Four Wheel Drive Emergency Assistance Team" Does the same thing. There is a main dispatcher that calls when help is needed!

[Patrolman]

There you go! Do you have a link or info on that Aaron?

I know some hospitals have you sign up specifically with them in advance. They have you sign waivers and such. I am sure that they could have you do that on the spot, but saves time if it is already taken care of.

[Chris]

Here you go Jeff - http://www.hightrails.org/feat.html

[SCRubicon]

I found out last year that the City of Lakewood does this type of thing too. Employees were encouraged to sign up. $15 - $17 an hr. (forget which) But, it was subject to your boss's approval. The guy above me was a frigging tool, so I never bothered with it. I wonder if people not employed with the city get paid the same?

[Chris]

I hadn't noticed previously that you didn't need to be a member of CoA4WDCI or one of its clubs to take part in FEAT.

Since FR4x4 isn't a member of CoA4WDCI our Adopt-a-Trail hours aren't recorded on the site since they apparently have some hand in that whole thing. Nice to see that's not the case with FEAT.

[Funrover]

I hadn't noticed previously that you didn't need to be a member of CoA4WDCI or one of its clubs to take part in FEAT.

Since FR4x4 isn't a member of CoA4WDCI our Adopt-a-Trail hours aren't recorded on the site since they apparently have some hand in that whole thing. Nice to see that's not the case with FEAT.

That's what I like also, you don't have to pay dues or be part of a clan to help out! I never was called last year but I am here if needed!

[Jimmy]

Aurora OEM has a program as well. I elected to no longer be a member when the gas prices were so high (no fuel cost reimbursement). If the prices stay low, I may have to rejoin. :)

On a side note, I've driven for Parker Adventist in the past. Don't recall any reimbursement either... though maybe they would cover a meal for you at the hospital (vaguely remember something to that effect) - the food there is excellent!

[Chris]

What's Aurora OEM Jimmy?

[Jimmy]

The city of Aurora's Office of Emergency Management. I'll dig up the current point of contact for the organization:

Here you go:

AVID (Aurora Volunteers In Disasters)
4x4 Response Group

Stephanie Hackett
Emergency Management Specialist
City of Aurora
15151 E. Alameda Pkwy St. 4100
Aurora, CO 80012
Office: (303) 326-8964
Fax: (303) 326-8986
shackett@auroragov.org

[Pathrat]

I have called in to my home hospital, Presbyterian St Lukes near downtown Denver to offer rides to work but have not been needed. When there is a snow emergency, my department needs three people, and one of those three is me so I would bet I would be transporting at least one of the other two.

Thanks for the link. I will have to sign up for that so I can be availible to a wider group and larger geographical.

[Tye]

I have done this before bout 2 yrs. ago with a buddy next door. We were sent to pick up the Mayor who was needing to get to the emergency response ctr. I stay on call with him diring the bad times.

[Patrolman]

When I worked for Exempla at Lutheran Hospital, I believe they did fuel reimbursement. I know that my boss put some hours on my time card for helping out. I didn't ask for anything as I was just happy to help out my coworkers.

I used to volunteer for LaPlata Search and Rescue when I lived in Durango. They provided fuel reimbursement there. Of course, that was when fuel was $1.20 or something. They might shy away from that at $4.00.

[Chris]

The city of Aurora's Office of Emergency Management. I'll dig up the current point of contact for the organization:

Here you go:

AVID (Aurora Volunteers In Disasters)
4x4 Response Group

Stephanie Hackett
Emergency Management Specialist
City of Aurora
15151 E. Alameda Pkwy St. 4100
Aurora, CO 80012
Office: (303) 326-8964
Fax: (303) 326-8986
shackett@auroragov.org

Thanks Jimmy, I couldn't figure out OEM in this context. :o

[Chris]

I just got the AVID (Aurora Volunteers in Disaster) forms from Stephanie Hackett. If anyone else is interested I'm happy to email them to you.

[Patrolman]

I might take you up on it later. Since I don't really live in the area, was hoping to find something closer.

[Chris]

I would guess that every city has something along the same line. If anyone knows of one in their area it would be nice to have it posted.

[Jimmy]

I would guess that every city has something along the same line. If anyone knows of one in their area it would be nice to have it posted.

Aurora didn't come up with AVID until that blizzard in Dec '06. It may be hit or miss on this type of program in all the cities... it'll be interesting to hear of other city programs.

[SCRubicon]

I hear ya Nay. But, I just couldn't bow down to kiss his a$$. It wasn't worth it for me.