New Orleans EMS Responds to Record Mardi Gras Calls
NEW ORLEANS -- Amid the bead tossing and celebration of the annual Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, bystanders quickly went to the aid of a heart attack victim.
"People started CPR right away on the woman. Our paramedic also was nearby as well," said Jeb Tate, New Orleans EMS public information officer.
"They got the pulse back on the 42-year-old woman," Tate said, adding he was impressed by the citizens' actions.
During the 10-day celebration, New Orleans EMS personnel responded to a record 2,067 calls for service and transported more than 1,200 people to the hospital.
Tate said on Mardi Gras Day alone, Tues., March 8, there were 344 requests for ambulances. Medics transported 177 patients.
This year there were 236 more calls for service, and 140 more transports than during the 2010 celebrations.
"This was the busiest year since we've been keeping records in 2006," he said.
With New Orleans jammed with revelers, EMS personnel ride bikes and ATVs to get around. They are strategically positioned in various areas of the city.
Tate added that the Red Cross also assists by staffing aid stations where personnel treat minor injuries.
NO EMS Director Dr. Jeffrey Elder said in a prepared statement:
"As the 2011 Carnival season ends, I am extremely grateful for the men and women of New Orleans EMS who worked long hours fulfilling our mission of providing high quality pre-hospital medical care to the citizens and visitors of New Orleans."
Early Wednesday, New Orleans was hit by powerful thunderstorms that caused EMS personnel to detour around certain areas.
Taking detours and adapting are something to which they've become accustomed. Since Hurricane Katrina, NO EMS personnel have operated out of two trailers.
"They [the trailers] are falling apart. They're in bad shape," Tate said.
Plans are still in the works to establish a headquarters for EMS that will include locker and shower rooms as well as offices and classrooms.
Tate says the plans call for EMS to be located with the coroner's office.
