More volunteers aid Sandy victims

BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB) - Over the past week, Western New Yorkers have shown their willingness and ability to help their downstate brethren.

The latest to make the journey to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy are members of the emergency medical community.

Erie County Executive Press Secretary, Peter Anderson says, "As you know, there are a lot needs right now for basic necessities of life; water, shelter, certain people have medical needs as well. The team that went down from Erie County had two doctors, paramedics, and EMTs. So, they're going to be using their professional skills to help out on that shelter setting."

Others from the county that have been deployed include: an incident management team and swift water rescue members. Four more volunteers are also expected to be deployed from the American Red Cross over the next few days.

They would join 25 other locals who have already left.

"It's hard to see people going through what they're going through, but it's great to be there to be able to help," said Jose Latalladi, a Red Cross worker.

Red Cross Volunteer, Norma Kehl says, "We're going for mass care to help people in shelters down there that are displaced because they have no place to go. Setting up in shelters with cots, make sure people are fed and talk with them to make sure they don't have any other needs we can meet.

The University at Buffalo School of Nursing has also sent faculty and students to help the sick and injured.

A clinical instructor headed to Long Island with seven UB nursing students. They'll be treating patients who have conditions serious enough to go to an emergency room.

"It's a real credit to the Health Department and the Emergency Services Department here in Erie County. Not only that they are so well trained, and professional in doing what they do; but that a storm like this heads downstate and they leave their lives here for a few days and go help their neighbors and friends downstate. So it really is a great representation of Erie County," Anderson said.