First snow accidents stress EMS, hospital ERs

[Fox 9 News, KARE 11 News, WCCO News, December 07, 2021] As Minnesota sees its first significant snowfalls of the year, emergency workers are worried snowy crashes could put further strain on an already stretched EMS and hospital system.

Currently in the Twin Cities metro, amid a COVID-19 spike and hospital bed shortage, there are no intensive care unit (ICU) beds available and only 23 statewide.

With emergency rooms so frequently full, EMS workers are having to criss-cross the metro to find space.

"Now, it’s getting to the point where we’re telling crews to ask before you transport," said Jeff Lanenberg. He is the south metro operations manager for Allina Health EMS.

So if there’s ever a time to heed warnings to drive carefully, they hope you listen now.

KARE 11 News and WCCO TV News also reported on this story.