EMS prepares for response during heavy rain

GLASGOW, Ky. – The Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Medical Services are prepared and aware of potential flooding and wet roads due to the remnants from Hurricane Ida.

According to Joe Middleton, the executive director of both Hart and Barren-Metcalfe EMS, when a large amount of rain comes down, first responders have to prepare themselves for flooding or slick roadways like everyone else.

He said they work together with dispatch and other first responders to communicate which roads are closed or flooded to help determine which roads they can use and which they cannot.

Middleton said he and his team also have to increase stopping time and drive a little slower to avoiding becoming a patient themselves.

“Speeds and breaking are different on wet pavement versus dry pavement so that is a major focal point. One of the big issues with water across roads, bridges and tree limbs is we have to be concerned about alternate routes to get to the scene of an incident,”said Middleton.

This can make ambulatory service or other first responders response times a little slower than normal.