Minnesota first responders no longer headed to North Carolina
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Updated: 4:25 p.m. | Posted 12:14 p.m.
State officials announced Friday afternoon that all Minnesota ambulance teams had been demobilized after North Carolina withdrew its request for help.
Earlier version:
Three dozen first responders and 15 ambulances from Minnesota are headed to North Carolina to help with Hurricane Dorian.
Gov. Tim Walz authorized the emergency response when North Carolina asked for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. The system started in 1992, the year Category 5 Hurricane Andrew struck the Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana.
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“Minnesotans take pride in helping our neighbors in need. It’s my honor to answer North Carolina’s call for assistance,” said Walz. “My thoughts are with the people of North and South Carolina, Florida, the Bahamas and other affected communities as they work to mitigate the effects of Hurricane Dorian and keep their communities safe through the storm.”
The first responders are divided into three teams which each include five ambulances, five paramedics, five emergency medical technicians, a team leader and a logistics support leader. North Carolina Emergency Management will direct the teams' mission once they arrive in the state.
Walz had expected the personnel to depart Friday.
The Metro Region EMS System is leading the effort. The teams also include first responders from Ringdahl EMS, Fergus Falls, HealthEast, Allina and North Memorial.
