Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services shares their most common winter emergencies

Little Rock, Arkansas – Extra ambulances are being prepared by emergency services for the winter freeze as they prepare for a chilly Christmas weekend.

According to Chris Marshall, Operations Director at the Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), some crises occur more frequently as the temperature drops.

Here are some places to get warmth in Central Arkansas as it gets ready for a historic Christmas freeze.

“In weather like this, you’ll see an uptick in car wrecks, if it ices over obviously slips and falls. Also, for the people who may be exposed for a long period of times to the weather, some hypothermia. and even in some cases, we’ve seen some carbon monoxide issues,” Marshall stated.

As in the case of the snowstorm in February 2021, MEMS may mobilize all available resources in the event of freezing weather. Marshall does not expect particularly harsh weather, so his crew has not yet unwrapped every instrument at their disposal.

“We have studded tires that we can put on for ice,” Marshall explained. “Our planning goes in days before when we first start seeing the forecast.”

More patience is one thing MEMS is requesting. Just like everyone else, their travel time is slowed by icy roads.

“They are still coming, but it takes a bit longer to get there,” Marshall expressed.

The largest piece of advice from paramedics regarding the dangers near your home and vehicle is to stay away from them in the first place.

“We are on a heightened alert knowing what the temperatures are going to be,” Marshalled said. “If you don’t have to get out in this, I would stay inside and stay warm.”