Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Medic 93 gearing up for harsh winter
THORNDALE >> When winter weather is at its worst, Medic 93 is at its best.
A heart attack, a stroke, a head trauma, or any other life-threatening emergency doesn’t discriminate. When the public calls 911, they expect prompt service from the emergency medical service providers—-no matter what the weather conditions.
When Leo Scaccia, chief of Medic 93, a paramedic department based out of Brandywine Hospital, Tower Health, learns of an impending major winter storm, he quickly sprints into action. “I get the best weather reports from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services. Very accurate in regards to how much snowfall accumulation, the direction of travel, and the approximate time of arrival. With this in hand, I evaluate, and prepare,” explained Scaccia.
The number one priority on Scaccia’s mind is manpower to staff Medic 93’s medical chase vehicles, which are responsible for medic assisting the 13 basic life support (BLS) ambulances in Medic 93’s service area.
The medic units are stationed at their main hub, the Huston Center, on the property of Brandywine Hospital Tower Health, as well as the Elverson-Honeybrook Ambulance, and with the Coatesville Fire Department. “I want to have the manpower in place so when the public calls 911 they will be able to respond quickly.” stated Scaccia.
Scaccia feels he is fortunate to have a dedicated staff. “The group of people that I have are willing to do anything asked and, for that matter, not even asked. When they get wind of significant snowfall, they come in with their sleeping bags and set up a makeshift bedroom in one of the back offices. And, stay till the weather improves and is safe for driving. They have been known to remain here three or four days when needed,” said Scaccia.
While Medic 93’s top priority is providing medical care to the public, they are also a major asset to the Brandywine Hospital staff. “We are part of the hospital team. If employees have difficulty making it into work, we can go get them in our four wheel drive vehicles,” stated Scaccia.
Once Scaccia has his staff ready to go, his next priority focus are ther medic chase vehicles. “Every hour we have to go outside to sweep the snow off of the medic units. I also turn on
the defrost to get the ice off of the windows,” said Hazel Stanton, registered nurse with Medic 93. “We have a good maintenance team who makes sure our driveways and walks are cleared of snow.”
Finally, all that Medic 93 has to do is wait for the emergencies. “If all goes well the public takes the weather warnings seriously and not venture out till the snow stops. If this happens our call volume will be down. Once the snow stops, that’s when trouble brews. People shoveling have a heart attack. Or they fall while clearing their driveway. Or, they unwisely decide to get into their automobile and go to the grocery store and on the way have an accident. That’s when our call volume goes up,” explained Scaccia.