IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Iron Mountain is facing bone-chilling temperatures, with the current thermometer reading at zero, and a biting wind chill of -13. The national weather service states that wind chills values are ranging between -13 and -15 degrees in Iron Mountain and the county. Integrity Care EMS paramedics, Judy Peterson and Torie Powers, are raising concerns about the dangers posed by the frigid conditions in Dickinson County.
Judy Peterson emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself in these harsh conditions, advising, “Wear layers, have plenty of extra clothes and blankets in the car.” She cautions that even a few minutes in the severe wind chills can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Peterson adds, “At 15 degrees below zero, with even a little bit of wind, frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.”
Addressing the vulnerability of the elderly, she notes, “Extra care should be given to the elderly, who need to make sure exposed skin is properly covered, as they can be more susceptible to extreme cold injuries.”
Torrie Powers echoes the concern for hypothermia, especially with frequent falls on icy surfaces. Powers urges people to be aware of their surroundings and dress accordingly. She highlights the need to look out for the elderly, saying, “Check on your loved ones, make sure everybody’s staying warm, and has everything they need. Stock up on groceries. Try to avoid going outside if you can.”
Amidst the chilling weather, administrators at Integrity Care are already responding to calls of snowmobile accidents, emphasizing the urgency for residents to exercise caution in these extreme conditions.
Available EMS funding in Michigan includes a $277,497 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to address EMS workforce shortages. The 2024 MDHHS Emergency Medical Services Workforce Grant, offering up to $20,000 for tuition and fees or reimbursement at $15/hour, aims to tackle the paramedic shortage, with preferences for various categories, including rural EMS professionals, single parents, women, and minorities. For individuals interested in a career in the EMS profession, the 2024 MDHHS EMS Workforce Grant will open soon, and all counties in the Upper Peninsula qualify as rural census track communities.
For more information on the workforce grant, visit:
