Medics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services are providing emergency medical and evacuation services in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

The four-member medic unit from the county arrived in Louisiana on Sunday and is among five units from Maryland that responded to a request for help through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

"The fact that we have people who have the courage and are willing to put themselves in harm's way to help others is very humbling," said county Fire Chief Joseph Herr.

The Howard responders are Will Huber, Chuck King, George Krug and Mike Sharpe.

After a 27-hour drive, the unit reported to Louisiana State University's Dean Lee Agricultural Center in Alexandria, La., which is serving as a shelter for evacuees.

The medics helped set up a clinic and handled supplies of food and water, said Herr, who has been in regular contact with the Howard contingent.

"They haven't got much sleep the last couple of nights," he said.

The Maryland group is made up of 26 people and 11 vehicles from Howard, Charles and Harford counties, as well as Baltimore City and Life Star Ambulances.

The responders left at 6:30 Saturday morning and drove straight through to Louisiana, Herr said.

"These additional EMS units [were] there before the evacuation ... to make sure the 911 services wouldn't be overwhelmed," he said.

During the trip, the Maryland responders were delayed by evacuation detours.

"With all the evacuations, all the roadways were clogged," Herr said.

Sewage problems at the evacuation shelter forced the unit to relocate to a hotel to wait for its next assignment.

"They're refueling, restocking, getting some rest," Herr said.

The medics continue to face challenges from the weather.

About 6 inches of rain fell on their first night, and several more inches were expected, Herr said.

"Even though the storm may have passed the southern part of the state, there's still a lot of rain and wind," he said.

The unit plans to assist with evacuation and medical services for about 10 days before returning.

After the unit's work in Louisiana, MEMA will reimburse Howard County's costs.

County Executive Ken Ulman dispatched the medic unit, which as part of the Maryland team operates under the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.

"Obviously, the area down there has been pretty hard hit," said Anna Hoffman, public information officer for the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. "We have highly trained first responders, and they have a strong desire to help others in need."