By EMS1 Staff
SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. – AMR was commended this week for its response during the gas explosion that ripped through a neighborhood near San Francisco that left seven dead and dozens injured earlier this month.
AMR responded with more than 36 ambulances and 72 crew members to the disaster in San Bruno on Sept. 9 within six minutes of the first 911 call. They were able to call for additional ambulance units from neighboring cities.
“I would like to personally commend the efforts of all the men and women of AMR San Mateo during the San Bruno natural gas explosion,” said Sam Barnett, EMS Administrator for San Mateo County. “Their response to this disaster was extraordinary and indicative of a truly professional EMS team. AMR’s depth of resources both in San Mateo and surrounding counties is unparalleled.”
Beyond providing care and transport to the victims, AMR crews also helped evacuate the neighborhood by knocking on doors and transporting non-injured residents out of the area as explosions were still taking down houses.
The emergency response to the natural gas explosion was one of the largest responses initiated by San Mateo County public safety agencies.