Winnie Romeril is used to helping save people, but normally that happens in Western New York, last week that changed. Just over one week ago, tornados ripped through Indiana. Romeril, a Mercy Flight Paramedic was torn between her duties and a place close to her heart.
“I was born in Indiana and having twisters hit my home state, it touches a personal note. I wanted to help people from my state,” said Romeril.
Her bosses were understanding and she spent much of the week in Henryville.
“It really looked like a bomb went off in these areas.”
She checked to make sure remote areas were getting supplies needed, interviewed residents, assessed damage and
provided a helping hand when needed.
“Help unload trucks--you do what people need you to do,” said Romeril.
She was impressed by those leaving church early one Sunday, bringing work gloves and equipment to help strangers.
She’s hopeful the effort continues.
“We often see this in the first days there is this heroic phase where everybody pulls together. Two or three weeks later people are disillusioned. The depression really hits them, the impact of the event really comes through and that’s what they have to face.Keeping that hope alive, and plugging forward even after the media attention dies down,” said Romeril.
Evan White, Reporter
