Recruiting efforts for displaced Paramedics, EMTs and healthcare workers continue

Contact: Joe Lightfoot, 1.337.291.3362, or 1.800.259.3333, ext. 3362

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 7, 2005

Acadian Ambulance is still in the process of recruiting displaced Paramedics, EMTs and healthcare workers such as LPNs and RNs from across the country. “We began our recruiting efforts several weeks ago during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and then came the devastation of Hurricane Rita,” VP of Human Resources Joe Lightfoot said.  “We are still operating at the post-Hurricane level, and trying to do anything we can to hire up to 100 more health care workers in the next couple of weeks.  Because of the displaced residents that have relocated to other areas in the state, we are receiving approximately 100 more emergencies per day.”

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has extended an Executive Order that suspends the Louisiana State licensure laws and regulations for medical/health professionals and personnel from other states offering medical services to those needing assistance as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  The Louisiana State licensing requirements are suspended through at least October 25, 2005.  This has opened the door for Acadian to hire these personnel on a temporary basis without having to pursue Louisiana licensing as long as they possess a current medical license in good standing in their respective state of licensure and practice in good faith within the scope of their skills and training.

Acadian is prepared to hire any qualified emergency worker such as a nurse, LPN, paramedic or EMT on a full-time, part-time or temporary basis to help provide them work. “Many workers may be here on a short-term basis, and we are prepared to hire them immediately on a full-time or short-tem basis,” said Lightfoot.

Before the storm hit, Acadian ran approximately 150 ambulances in the 33 Louisiana parish service area.  Since the storm this has increased to 178 ambulances. Each unit requires a staff of eight medics for a 24-hour period.  The Acadian medics have been working a massive amount of overtime since the storm. 

According to Lightfoot, medics are needed across the state from the Mississippi line to the Texas line as far north as Alexandria .  Acadian is also reaching out to other states trying to contract with medics and nurses to work for 14 to 30 days at a time. Acadian is offering up to $22 dollars per hour depending on skill level. Those interested can call the company's 800 number, 1.800.259.3333, extension 3362, or they can apply online.

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