NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The party is finally over here.
New Orleans' EMS crews are getting a breather after caring for more than a million visitors almost nonstop for more than a month.
The celebrations got underway with New Year's Eve, followed by the Sugar Bowl the next day.
Then came the NFL playoff games, the start of Carnival, the Super Bowl victory and Saints' parade, and the remainder of Mardi Gras.
What started in 2009 came to an end at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, leaving crews pretty exhausted, said Jeb Tate, a paramedic and NOEMS spokesman.
Tate said having the Super Bowl celebration smack in the middle of Mardi Gras added some challenges. But, crews adapted.
"There was a whole different atmosphere at the Mardi Gras this year," he said. "Everyone's been saying it was because people were still happy about the Super Bowl win."
Tate said there was a sharp drop in violence calls this year.
Statistics showed during the 11-day Mardi Gras celebration, crews handled 1,920 calls, and made 1,174 transports.
The busiest day was Tuesday with 265 calls with 139 transported to local emergency departments, Tate said.
"We handled 120 more calls, and made 170 more transports this year," he said.
Mardi Gras, personnel handled 120 fewer calls and crews handled everything from intoxicated partiers to falls and a cardiac arrest.
The Red Cross set up first aid stations along the parade routes to handle minor issues, and East Jefferson Hospital provided an EMS crew to assist on the two busiest days.
EMS Director Dr. Jullette Saussy was pleased with the effort of the 116 New Orleans personnel -- all of whom have been on duty during the parties.
"As Mardi Gras comes to a close, New Orleans EMS, while busy, recognizes that our carnival season was a success. Despite the cold temperatures, we enjoyed several sunny, clear days. Every member of New Orleans EMS, administration, field and communications, made this two-week party possible each day," she said in a prepared statement.
"Additionally the American Red Cross and EJGH EMS collaborated to assure adequate citywide coverage. For that, and the superior care our medical team delivered, I am truly proud and deeply thankful," Dr. Saussy said.
Tate said crews will be able to take a bit of a breather before gearing up for the Mardi Gras Marathon set for Feb. 28.
"We're expecting about 30,000 or so," he said with a laugh, adding that the number is small compared to earlier crowds recently. "Whatever, we'll be ready..."
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
