It’s a major challenge to have to work outside in these bitterly cold temperatures when you’re an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Dressing for the cold is a necessity as well as being able to handle wild temperature fluctuations as you could be going into warm homes, then out in the cold, and then into an ambulance. Aaron LeClair is the Director of Door County Emergency Services and he says the protective clothing EMT’s wear has improved over the years and has made it easier to be outside in extreme cold longer. LeClair says the major problem of working outside as an EMT is your hands will get very cold as medical gloves have not advanced in the same way. LeClair says that’s the reason EMT’s will work in shifts if they need to be outside for an extended period.

LeClair added if you are going out the next couple days to have survival kits in your cars, dress properly, and call 911 if you need help with anything.