Editor鈥檚 Note: Welcome to the What Paramedics Want podcast series of Inside EMS, sponsored by鈥�. The state of the industry What Paramedics Want Report explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention; safety, health and wellness support; technology adoption; and career development, produced in partnership with Fitch & Associates and the National EMS Management Association.鈥�Learn more鈥痑苍诲鈥�download your copy.
This year, EMS brought more than its fair share of jaw-dropping moments, and as we wrap up 2024, we鈥檙e revisiting five of the craziest stories that made headlines. From a massive chemical plant fire in Texas prompting a shelter-in-place order, to a sand hole tragedy on a Florida beach, these events highlight the unpredictability of EMS work.
Ever had a crash victim ejected so far from their vehicle, they landed on a roof? That鈥檚 exactly what happened in Michigan. Or a tractor-trailer cab dangling precariously off a bridge? Louisville firefighters made a daring rescue of a semi-driver in just such a predicament. And let鈥檚 not forget the aquarium at a Texas hospital that literally cushioned the blow of a car crashing into the ER. Turns out, those tropical fish weren鈥檛 just for decoration after all.
These stories remind us that no call is ever routine, and the unpredictable nature of EMS keeps us on our toes. It鈥檚 also a good reminder to revisit training and be ready for the 鈥渨hat-ifs,鈥� from trench rescues to chemical response protocols.
Top 5 craziest EMS calls of 2024
- Aquarium likely saved lives when car crashed into Texas ED
- 2 dead, dozens injured in hazmat leak at Texas refinery
- 911 calls from fatal Fla. sand hole collapse released
- Ejected in fiery crash, Mich. driver lands on roof of house
- Dash cam video shows Ky. truck left hanging off bridge after crash
Quotables
鈥淚n public safety, everybody鈥檚 an expert about someone else鈥檚 call.鈥�
鈥淚f you work a wreck after midnight and don鈥檛 find a drunk, keep looking鈥攕omeone is missing.鈥�
鈥淭he body can take a crazy amount of trauma and still survive.鈥�
鈥淎ll I can think is some hospital administrator somewhere is saying, 鈥楽ee? That aquarium was worth it.鈥欌��
ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at鈥�.
RATE & REVIEW
Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on鈥�,鈥�,鈥�,鈥�,鈥�, and鈥�.
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to鈥�. Contact the Inside EMS team at鈥�theshow@ems1.com鈥痶o share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you鈥檇 like to join us as a guest.
