Local EMS leaders share plans for approaching winter storm

JACKSON, Tenn. — Winter storms can be tough on emergency personnel. And local EMS officials share plans to weather this storm.

First responders are gearing up for the incoming inclement weather.

Local EMS directors are monitoring conditions closely and developing tentative plans with other emergency services.

“We’ve been in constant meetings with EMA, street department, even our sheriff’s department as well where we all have some extra four-wheel drive vehicles for access to some difficult terrain,” said Shane Beecham, EMS operations manager for Henderson County.

EMS services across West Tennessee will be extra staffed this weekend but you can expect longer response times.

“We have a lot of hills and mountainous terrain. So we know our response times are going to be delayed as a company we are prepared for that, we are putting on extra crews,” said Shannon Seaton, director of ambulance services for Perry County.

TDOT crews have begun prepping major interstates and highly traveled highways. Icy road conditions can be dangerous for emergency personnel responding to calls.

Residents should limit 911 calls over the weekend to true emergencies only.

“It’s very important with the conditions that we’re expecting to get, it’s very important that you limit your 911 calls to true emergencies,” said Melissa Nelson, community risk reduction specialist with the Jackson Fire Department.

Despite dangerous road conditions, local ems services are committed to responding to any emergency that may arise.

“We’re also putting extra crews on to meet the need, so every staff that we service in Brownsville will have a truck and a paramedic and an EMT,” said James Waldrop, director of ambulance services for Brownsville.

“You have to give us time to get there because the safety of our crews is the utmost importance, so please, if you call 911, know that help is coming,” said Glynn Mooney, EMS director for Ambulance Director of Lexington.

Officials stress the importance of staying indoors to avoid any accidents. You can stay up-to-date with your county’s winter weather plan through their social media accounts.

For a full list of warming centers in West Tennessee or to learn more on your county’s weather plans, click here.

To stay weather-aware, click here.