New Orleans EMS Ready for Mardi Gras
NEW ORLEANS -- Mardi Gras revelers have descended here for parades, beads and parties. And, EMS crews have prepared for their guests.
While Thursday evening's activities were cancelled due to flash flood warnings, Friday dawned bright and sunny. In addition to four parades today, personnel were planning to join the masses to honor a police officer killed in the line of duty this week.
More EMS crews will be on the street over the next few days while the annual celebration is in full swing, said Jeb Tate, a paramedic and spokesperson for NO EMS.
"More than 95 percent of our staff will be working during carnival season," he said in a telephone interview Thursday night. "Emergency physicians also are available to respond on calls with the medics."
With hospitals still closed and ambulance wait times increasing, EMS officials requested help from state officials. "With the influx of people expected, we knew there was no way we could handle things adequately. The state agreed, and generously donated funding."
In addition, revelers who suddenly find themselves in need of medical care can seek help in two tents or temporary urgent care facilities.
"These will be a huge asset for us," he said, adding that people with minor injuries or illnesses can seek help there instead of calling for an ambulance.
Tate said the New York based DHS Systems, LLC, has donated a climate-controlled tent, valued at $500,000. "It's incredible, and can withstand hurricane-force winds. We're lucky to have it available."
The city also has erected a huge tent to help ease traffic in its already strapped emergency departments.
The facilities opened Friday, and will remain open through Wednesday. EMS crews -- strategically placed throughout the city --will be on bikes, ATVs and Sprint cars. They also have a John Deere gator available.
NO EMS crews have been hammered recently by a number of large events – New Year's Eve, the Sugar Bowl and BCS Championship. After Mardi Gras, there won't be much time for a break as basketball championship games will be played there.
"We've been really busy here in New Orleans," said Ken Bouvier, chief of special operations.
