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Summer a busy time for ambulance crews

TONYA BINA
SKY-HI DAILY NEWS
Grand County, Colorado

Grand County’s Emergency Medical Services have been kept busy with calls this summer – some days compounded more than others.

On Wednesday, emergency responders experienced four calls nearly simultaneously – one at Rocky Mountain National Park and three in other areas of the county, according to EMS Director Ray Jennings. The day also brought emergency transfers to Denver and at least two 911 calls.

On Thursday, EMS was busy again, with one transport to Kremmling Memorial Hospital for a Flight For Life pick-up, another to Granby Medical Center for a Flight For Life.



A 15 year old extreme mountain biker practicing for the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships at SolVista Basin last weekend suffered a cervical neck injury when he flipped his bike, according to the Granby Police Department.

Two other competitors experienced less severe injuries on Thursday, requiring medical transports to Granby Medical.



Also Thursday, there was a chance that a multi-car accident on County Road 10 had caused injury to seven victims. Upon arrival, EMS learned that no one had been hurt.

There were three other emergency calls during the day, another three transports out of the county, and that night, Grand County EMS had two emergency transports to Denver, one at 1:30 a.m. and another at 5:30 a.m.

“Summertime, it’s that way,” said Jennings, saying Wednesday’s and Thursday’s activity volume was typical for Grand County in July.

EMS generally runs 10 to 15 calls a day, he said.

“Our population increases tremendously, with people spread out all over the county – from the backcountry to the resort. It goes to show the dedication of our staff to take care of the community.”

The county has the capability to run eight ambulances during the height of winter and summer. The entire EMS staff, he said, is qualified to attend emergencies, creating a department that can expand and contract with the needs of the community. “Everybody on staff has an EMS certification from EMT all the way to Paramedics,” Jennings said. “It allows us flexibility to run multiple calls simultaneously.”

– Tonya Bina can be reached at 970-887-3334 ext. 19603 or e-mail tbina@skyhidailynews.com.


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