Paramedics recently found themselves in quite the predicament while responding to a call in Cambridge – their ambulance got stuck in the snow. Two ambulances had been dispatched to a home on Langs Circle. While the nature of the call was not shared due to privacy concerns, it was not believed to be a life-threatening injury or illness. Neighbours then noticed one of the first responders digging out their own ambulance from the snow and ice on the road. One photo shared with CTV News showed the paramedic with a shovel in hand. “Region of Waterloo Paramedics regularly respond to 911 calls in all kinds of weather and terrain,” the region said in a statement. “At times, road and weather conditions do present unique challenges that paramedics problem-solve on a case-by-case basis. Paramedic Services can confirm in this case that there was no delay to patient care, and no negative outcome as a result of the weather and road conditions.” The Waterloo Region Association of Professional Paramedics were also aware of the photo but could not comment on the specific situation. “Know that every paramedic service in Ontario has contingency plans for situations like this,” explained Jeffrey J. Bilyk, the organization’s director of media relations. “It is thankfully rare, but no different than a vehicle failure, stretcher failure, etc. Paramedics would call for a second ambulance to transport the patient.” In this case, another ambulance was already on scene. Bilyk added: “Given that less than five per cent of patient transports are time sensitive, and these failure points are even more rare, statistically the odds of an adverse event is near zero.” CTV News also reached out the City of Cambridge for comment but have not yet received a reply.
