EMS Planning for a Big Event in the Tiny Town of Speed, Kan.

Ann-Marie Lindstrom
2009 May 11

Rural EMS providers frequently have to improvise and be creative with their resources. Phillips County (Kan.) EMS -- with its 100 volunteer and four paid field providers -- faced a challenge to their resources past summer and delivered.

A small town in Phillips County hosted Mattel "Need for Speed" event in August 2008. The event was part of a three-week, six-city, cross-country road trip from California to New York to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels -- loved by both kids collectors alike.

Speed, Kan., was one of five stops on the road tour. More than 10,000 people descended on Speed, population 47. Though Mattel undoubtedly chose Speed for its name, rather than its amenities, Phillips County EMS provided 25 volunteers for standby in a style that would rival any large, urban service.

Mattel had come to Speed two years earlier for a similar event, so Phillips County EMS Director Jayne Holle had some experience planning for such a large crowd.

In 2006, it was very hot and they had some "heat issues," according to Holle. The summer of 2008 was a bit different. A big rainstorm the night before the event kept the heat at bay, although it did create the need for some last minute changes. The area that had been set aside for parking was flooded, so it was necessary to rearrange the space planning. "You adapt and overcome," says Holle.

Holle set up a two-section first aid tent. The first section provided a place for attendees to cool off. In anticipation of high temperatures, misters were set up. The second section was staffed and equipped for anyone needing medical evaluation and/or care. Monitors, IVs, breathing treatments and AEDs were ready and waiting. Holle says she borrowed AEDs from neighboring schools, and any responders who carried AEDs in their vehicles loaned them to the effort.

Arrangements were made with nearby counties for additional ambulances, if needed. Ellis County EMS sent a couple of paramedics and a Gator. Holle and her team even located a suitable landing zone for an air ambulance and supplied GPS coordinates to the appropriate agencies, just in case.

Jason Fawver, a paramedic/RN who got his first job in EMS from Holle, says she's a humble person who runs a volunteer agency that rivals services with full-time staff.

"We're a small community taking care of each other and those who come to visit us," Holle says.

She seemed surprised that anyone was interested in what Phillips County EMS had done, acknowledging there's "not much opportunity to deal with 10,000 people."

Those 10,000 people enjoyed a car and motorcycle show, soap-box derby and musical performances. And it all went off without any major medical incidents. Phillips County EMS was well-prepared, though. Says Holle: "We have such a good staff. Everyone did their part."

Ann-Marie Lindstrom, , a regular contributor to JEMS, writes primarily about EMS- and health-related subjects.

For more on MCI planning, read "Pre-Planning and Preparedness Pay Off" here.

JEMS.com

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EMS Planning for a Big Event in the Tiny Town of Speed, Kan.

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