Calling all EMS photographers! EMS1 wants to see pictures of you in action or training. Submit a photo — it could be selected as our Photo of the Week! Be sure to include your name, department information and some background on the photo.
This week’s Photo of the Week comes from Acadian Ambulance Service, which shared images this week from the winter storm that impacted Acadian crews in three different states.
In addition to dangerously low temperatures, fuel shortages and road closures, Acadian Ambulance crews in Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee also faced the challenges of stations not having water or power, staff not being able to get to work due to hazardous conditions and ambulances become stranded amidst snow and ice.
“During the winter storm, sub-freezing temperatures and snow and ice accumulation caused delays in transporting our non-critical, non-emergency patients. Our dispatch teams worked very closely with our facilities and hospitals to coordinate non-critical transports when road conditions allowed for safe travel. In more critical cases, we worked with local fire and police departments to help us safely access patients,” said Acadian Chairman and CEO Richard Zuschlag in a statement.
Acadian made use of its partnerships with other agencies as well as spare ambulances to continue to meet the needs of communities during this difficult time.
“Our primary concern was for the safety of our patients and our medics. I want to express my appreciation to the hospitals, facilities, local officials and fellow first responders throughout our service area who were very cooperative and understanding with our operational challenges during the prolonged event. We all worked together to ensure the public was protected and cared for,” Zuschlag stated.
