Extreme cold adds obstacles for emergency responders

[KARE 11, January 06, 2014] Twin Cities paramedics had an extra obstacle to deal with Monday in getting injured Minnesotans to area hospitals. The extreme cold meant some changes in ambulance procedures.

Allina Ambulances used lights and sirens responding to every outside call because of the danger of someone remaining in the cold while injured. Normally, the lights and sirens are only used when the patient must be moved to hospital care more quickly.

"Days like this,"said Dick Carpenter, an Allina paramedic, "you dress a little bit warmer, but the problem is you cannot dress too warm because we are in and out all the time."

Posted on January 07, 2014 in Allina Health EMSFeatured on Home Page

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