BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Since work began on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, some residents on the west side of the river have expressed concerns about whether paramedics would be able to get patients in need of critical care to Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in a timely manner.
Brunswick County EMS Director Lyle Johnston tells WWAY that it has not had any delays—and that being prepared is the key.
“As inconvenient as it may be with the bridge out, it’s actually easier for us to know it’s out and make the preparations than it was on the week after Christmas when the tractor trailer wrecked on the eastbound lane,” Johnston said.
Johnston said although they have not had any issues, Brunswick County EMS is continuing to monitor the situation. He said in the event that traffic is causing issues, EMS is prepared to utilize LifeLink helicopters to transport patients across the river.
“So that would just be a matter of making the phone call if the weather is right to get the helicopter dispatched,” Johnston said. “They’ll put it down right there in the road, or on the side of the road for us and we’ll just make a transfer over to the stretcher with the helicopter and give the patient the helicopter crew and then they’ll continue to make the flight over the river to the hospital.”
Leland Fire Chief Ronnie Hayes also reports that his firefighters have not reported any issues related to the bridge closure.
“As of yet we have not had any issues with the bridge closure, with traffic or anything. We had a few minor accidents the first two days, but they were minor, and in fact we were canceled by law enforcement before we ever made it on scene,” Hayes said.
Although traffic hasn’t caused any issues for the Fire Department Chief Hayes says they are staying prepared.
“We’ve brought extra folks on for the morning and afternoon just in case but after the first two days its been going great from our standpoint,” Hayes said.
WWAY also reached out to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, they said that their paramedics have not reported any issues or delays at this time.