How the freeze in North Texas changes MedStar’s response to emergencies
Under MedStar’s extreme weather protocol, patients outdoors in an unprotected environment will receive a higher priority response.
MedStar is implementing the change ahead of the arctic blast hitting Fort Worth.
Freezing to sub-freezing temperatures are on the way for North Texas over the upcoming Christmas weekend. The National Weather Service is predicating temperatures in the teens and low 20 degrees over Thursday and Friday.
“We do this when the ‘real feel’ temperature falls below 20 degrees to prevent minor medical or trauma patients from being exposed to the cold weather and potentially developing a cold-weather related emergency,” said Matt Zavadsky, MedStar chief transformation officer.
Several warming stations will be available for people across Fort Worth and MedStar officials say to dress in layers of loose fitting clothes while outside. Wrapping exposed pipes, leaving cabinet doors open and letting the faucet drip are all precautions residents can take against pipes bursting.
For emergency and MedStar needs, call 911.
