New Jersey first responders head to Caribbean islands to help

LAKEHURST, N.J. (WPVI) -- The New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey EMS Task Force have been assigned a humanitarian mission to help in the region hit hardest by the recent hurricanes.

The groups have been tasked specifically with providing medical assistance in the region.

On Sunday, a large Air Force plane brimming with supplies was readied to head out from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

"Rain gear, hats, some communication equipment, some medical supplies," said Efriam Hirscham of the NJ EMS Task Force. "We're there to provide EMS for the islands and all of this equipment's allows us to stay safe."

The deployed said they are prepared for the worst. They are ready to be self-sustained for two weeks.

"Our biggest challenge is obviously, it's an island, so getting there," said John Grembowiec, of NJ EMS Task Force. "A lot of the wires are down, it's hot, it's muggy. Of course the environmental conditions are also difficult to deal with."

Emergency personnel were strapped in the C-17 Globemaster aircraft, flanking ambulances, generators and other basic necessities. All of these supplies are intended to help residents who have been in recovery mode for the last two weeks.

The first plane arrived in St. Croix Sunday evening, with a second flight, carrying additional personnel and supplies expected to follow.

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