Paramedics notice increase in calls of people exposed to freezing temperatures
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — There were no days off for first responders during the arctic freeze in West Michigan as paramedics responded to calls in the sub-zero temperatures.
Ashley Googe, a senior paramedic with Life EMS Ambulance in Kalamazoo, said the severe weather can sometimes slow down response times when someone needs medical attention.
“If it’s too slick, we will slow down. We don’t need to get there halfway and get stuck in a ditch on the way to someone. It might take us a couple extra minutes, but we want to get there safely and we do want to get there to whoever needs us,” said Googe. “We’re always very careful about the way we drive and very aware of how slick roads are, how deep the snow is. So, we’re very aware of how we’re driving so we’re safely getting somewhere.”
She said dispatchers help them communicate with patients if there is a delay. The ambulance is equipped to travel well in winter conditions and a special GPS system also helps them get around the snow quicker.
“We know the times of days that we want to avoid the roads. We know the weather that we want to avoid certain roads. So, there are times when we will take a highway instead of a back roads because of certain weather. And there are also times when we’ll do the exact opposite,” said Googe.
She mentioned all ambulances are also equipped with shovels and salt, just in case crews get stuck while en route to a call.
“Our truck is pretty tall, so we can get through the deep snow and such, but we’re not immune to getting stuck in the deeper snow. So, it’s something we’re always very conscious of,” said Googe.
She said this is the time of year when paramedics tend to see an increase in calls.
“Our cold-exposure calls are definitely going to go up. You can’t be outside very long before you start feeling that set in and your fingers start freezing with a couple of minutes,” said Googe. “If someone were to fall outside, what normally would have been something minor, can turn into something much larger for outside for several minutes in this weather.”
While paramedics encourage people to dress warm and in layers if they must go out, Googe said she makes sure her colleagues do the same.
“We know when we’re going to be out in the weather we have to be able to perform our job, just like we would if it was warm out. So, we’ll wear a couple layers of gloves, we wear hats, an extra layer of coats. We have to be able to do our job,” said Googe.
Paramedics are advising people to stay hydrated during the freezing temperatures. Googe is also asking drivers to use caution while behind the wheel.
“Everyone needs to slow down in this weather to prevent yourself or someone else and keeping everyone safe this time of year,” said Googe.
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