The ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle)

What is that big white and red vehicle that the Red Cross sends into emergency situations? The body is based on a big ambulance , but that is were the similarities stop. As you can see from the pictures the back is very much an open space except when it is full of supplies or food, drinks & snacks.

Lets start with where the ERV comes from. Red Cross ERV’s are stationed at certain chapters across the country. There are 7 ERV’s across the state of North Carolina. To operate an ERV you have to complete a course about the vehicle, take a defensive driving course, and submit your driving record.

The ERV is used mostly for feeding disaster victims and other emergency workers. It is also used to transport bulk supplies like cleanup kits and water. There are always two people assigned to an ERV for those long trips to and from a disaster. When we are on our routes at the disaster we take turns driving and feeding the clients. Part of the job is to keep the ERV clean not only for the clients , but we come under the jurisdiction of the local health department wherever we are. So at the end of the day we have to take everything out of the ERV and scrub it out.

It seems that the hours are awful long (7:30am to 8:00pm.) sometimes ,but it worth it when you see the smile just for giving someone water and a snack.

To see more pictures of "ERV's in Action", click here.