Department of Public Safety

No. 1 Tips for Snow Response

Useful tips for emergency personnel on duty in the snow

December 1, 2011 | 2 min reading time

This article is 14 years old. It was published on December 1, 2011.

In a recent article in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS), it was noted that responding to calls can be challenging in and of itself.  Add snow and ice on the ground and every aspect of the call from driving to loading a patient to moving the cot to simply being able to get to the door could become a challenge.

JEMS asked its readers to share their No. 1 tips for responding to calls in the snow. Here are a few. 

When you're on duty in the snow, remember:

  • your coat!
  • slow down
  • don't raise the stretcher with the patient more than halfway up until you're at the back of the ambulance
  • think about the terrain
  • ambulances drive different than cars
  • lights and sirens don't make you stop any quicker
  • don't let the rookie drive
  • keep the rubber side down
  • it's the same as any other call:  safety first
  • look where you plant your feet.

Stay safe!

 

Department of Public Safety
City of St. Louis

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