Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Receiving More Calls Due to Slippery Conditions

For Immediate Release

Monday, February 9, 2009

Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service advises that because of the slippery conditions, they are experiencing some delays in responding to the large number of call volumes for emergency services. Travel time for emergency response crews is also slower because of the conditions.

Most of the calls are in response to slip and fall injuries caused by the icy conditions created by the freezing rain. 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) report that calls are coming in at a rate of about 20 per hour which is double the normal call volume.   From 8:00 a.m. this morning until 3:00 p.m., EMS had received 120 calls for service compared to a normal day of approximately 70 during the same time frame.  The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has called in an additional three ambulances to help respond to calls.  Fire truck apparatus with paramedics on board are also helping to get to emergency calls and ease the load on ambulances.  Though the Service is managing the load, the public may expect a small delay in response times.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service urges all drivers and pedestrians to use extreme caution during this icy period and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.