MedStar responds to nearly as many weather calls as during 2021 winter storm
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Freezing weather in North Texas
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MedStar has responded since a cold front swept across North Texas to nearly as many weather-related calls as during the 2021 winter storm, according to statistics released by the emergency medical response company.
The company, which serves Fort Worth and several suburbs, reported 44 weather-related responses during the 2021 winter storm. Since Thursday, paramedics have responded to 37 calls, as of 3 p.m. Friday.
Three of the responses have been to serious injuries, according to MedStar, with 13 of the calls on streets or highways, six on private commercial establishment property and the others spread out among driveways, hotels, railroad tracks and other locations.
A hard freeze like the one being experienced in North Texas and most of the rest of the United States carries high risks of injury and illness such as hypothermia and frostbite. MedStar recommends seeking warm shelter, dressing in several layers when you have to be outside, keeping in mind that wind chill can contribute to loss of body heat and staying dry.
Don’t ignore shivering, because it can be the first sign of loss of body heat.
Be aware of the signs of hypothermia, including shivering that may stop as conditions worsen, slow and shallow breathing, confusion or memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, slurred or mumbled speech, loss of coordination, slow or weak pulse and, in severe cases, a person who seems to have no breathing or pulse.
If you have or see symptoms of hypothermia in someone else, get to warmth and call 911.
Dangerously cold weather is expected overnight into Saturday, with lows of 17 degrees forecast across Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will briefly rise above freezing the afternoon of Christmas Eve before dropping back down into the teens.
On Christmas Day, temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing in the afternoon, with highs for DFW forecast in the 40s. On Thursday, warmer weather will reach the region and bring highs to the 50s.
This story was originally published December 23, 2022 at 4:45 PM.
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