Ambulances seen struggling in snow

Many around the Metro Vancouver area and beyond had to deal with difficult commutes all day Wednesday, with many cars spinning out, getting stuck in the snow, and getting into fender benders.

But what happens if something worse happens and you need immediate help from emergency services — but they can’t get to you?

Videos posted to social media show ambulances struggling on the roads Wednesday, and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says two of them got stuck in the snow.

Brian Twaites, public relations liaison officer, says this highlights just how bad the conditions were.

“Here we have two incidences where some ambulances were stuck in the snow — and they were readily prepared for it,” he told The Leader Spirit. “I think this is a really good reminder to the public that (avoiding) non-essential travel is really important right now.”

Twaites also says they often see an increase in emergency medical calls related to hypothermia and frostbite during periods of unusually cold weather. He says BCEHS responded to 90 frostbite calls between Jan. 6 and Jan. 16.

He also says it’s important to make sure to shovel and salt your sidewalks, in case emergency crews need to get to you for any reason.

And one major thing the public can do to help first responders, Twaites said, is to keep your driveway shoveled.

“Make sure it is salted, sanded, whatever, because if paramedics do need to see you, we want them to be able to get into the house safely as well,” he said.