For EMS providers in the south, disaster preparation and response is second nature. Whether responding to hurricanes, mass casualty incidents and providing coverage for large-scale events, we train, plan and execute with ease. But an unprecedented snowstorm?
What appeared to be another snow day for northern EMS quickly turned into a worst-case scenario for the southern United States. The National Weather Service predicted an arctic air mass would move through the region, bringing approximately 10 inches of snow and ice. This rare event, not seen in nearly a century, brought the southern region to a slow crawl and at one point, a standstill due to uncertain conditions.
Here are key challenges and lessons shared by EMS providers in the New Orleans metropolitan area who served during this extraordinary event.
Navigating the roads
Navigating New Orleans’ roadways is challenging on a good day. The city’s topography — often equated to a bowl — relies on a crucial levee system and an intricate weave of 1,277 bridges. The Mississippi River divides the city into the East and West banks, while three major bridges — the Crescent City Connection (CCC), Huey P. Long Bridge and the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge — serve as critical crossings.
This geography poses a significant challenge for EMS to navigate. The region’s only Level 1 trauma center and main children’s hospital (which includes a pediatric trauma center) are all located on the East Bank. The West Bank has two hospitals, one of which is a comprehensive stroke center. When the storm moved through, these critical roadways that served as lifelines were severed, creating a logistical nightmare.
“Navigating safely was the hardest challenge,” said Ashley Morrison, a paramedic and EMS field supervisor employed at West Jefferson Medical Center, which is part of the LCMC Health. “With hurricanes, we can at least see where water is or where debris is blocking roads. But with this storm, everything was covered in a thick blanket of snow, with ice hidden underneath.”
Air transport faced similar challenges. Ochsner Flight Care Director Patrick Boullion recalled the difficulty of getting helicopters in the air. “While the weather created a barrier for our ground crews, our helicopters allowed us to continue operations. However, even that came with challenges,” Boullion said. “Snow and ice trapped the helicopter in the hangar. It took considerable effort and creativity to free the aircraft safely. Snow and ice on the hangar doors, combined with freezing temperatures, made the process difficult. But through teamwork and determination, we were able to resume our mission.”
In the New Orleans region, it is common for Fire departments and EMS to work alongside each other on calls for service. During this storm, fire departments played a crucial role in patient and ambulance extrication. “We implemented a plan where the fire truck led the way, packing down the snow and creating a passable route for ambulances. We equipped our ambulances with HAZMAT shovels to dig out when necessary,” said Todd Albarado, assistant fire chief and EMT at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fire & Emergency Services in New Orleans.
Crew safety first
Ensuring EMS personnel safety in extreme conditions is always top priority. Throughout the storm, crews often had to abandon their units and trek through thick snow with their gear to provide care. “Low visibility, high snow drifts and ice led us to prioritize our medic’s safety first just as we are taught, followed by our patient’s safety and then our equipment,” said Reed T. Miller, EMS director at LCMC Health East Jefferson General Hospital.
Even those familiar with snow found the conditions daunting. “Back home, we have plows and machines that clear the roads,” said EMT Jade Borges, a Chicago native. “But here, we had no equipment or salt. This is different.”
Margaret Fey, New Orleans EMS paramedic and Salt Lake City native, admitted that the experience was stressful. “We do the best with what we have. Safety is key — your safety first, then the patient’s. Because if you can’t get there, no one will get help,” Fey said.
Andre’ Brooks, a paramedic and EMS Education Coordinator at West Jefferson Medical Center explained, “Training equipped us with the skills to handle unpredictable road conditions. Thanks to that preparation, our EMS agency recorded zero crashes, despite needing to turn into skids and creeping along at 15 mph while responding to calls.”
Fey also shared advice to other EMS providers who may find themselves in a similar situation without snow experience. “Bring extra socks and medications. Plan your route well ahead of time. Drive super slow and pump your brakes. To get a good grip on the road, it helps to roll back and forth,” Fey advised.
Lessons for future disaster planning
The Sneaux Storm of 2025 presented a unique perspective for EMS providers in the South, proving that even the most unexpected events can offer critical lessons for the future.
- Unlikely events still need a plan. While hurricane preparedness dominates the majority of our disaster planning in New Orleans, this storm demonstrated the need for winter weather preparedness to play a larger role in risk assessments.
- Resourcefulness is vital. Through freezing temperatures, road closures, and a city brought to a standstill, EMS providers did what they always do — adapted, overcame and delivered patient care to those most in need. An essential part of this resourcefulness is the ability to foster relationships with local public service entities to help improve information sharing and access to additional resources.
- Flexibility is key. EMS providers thrive on problem-solving. This event stressed the importance of staying flexible in rapidly evolving situations. When faced with obstacles, providers should reach out to your partner, other crews and your supervisor for possible solutions. Through communication, you may find that another crew had the same problem and learn how they navigated through.
“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and we made the most of it,” said Phillip Woods, a paramedic and EMS field assistant supervisor at LCMC Health East Jefferson Medical Center.
The success of EMS response to this event was attributed to the dedication of providers who braved the elements, improvised solutions and supported one another through grueling shifts. The storm may have been unprecedented, but the unwavering commitment of EMS providers was not.
