Charlotte’s Thanksgiving Heroes: First Responders Keep the Community Safe
As families across Charlotte, North Carolina gather around their tables this Thanksgiving, there’s a dedicated group of folks who will be clocking in instead of sitting down for a meal. That’s right! While the rest of us may be indulging in turkey and pumpkin pie, essential workers, particularly our first responders, are at work keeping our community safe and healthy.
Emergency Calls Don’t Take Holidays
“Emergencies don’t end. They don’t stop,” says R.J. Goodman, the assistant operations supervisor with the local Medic team. Goodman highlighted the importance of being prepared for any situation, particularly on holidays like Thanksgiving when many people are traveling or celebrating with their families. “We’ve put extra shifts out to kind of help with the call volume that we typically do see increase on the holidays,” he explained.
Last Thanksgiving, the numbers spoke for themselves, with the Medic team fielding over 170 emergency requests and completing more than 120 transports. That’s a lot of action for a day that many think of as quiet and calm!
Understanding the Increase in Traffic Accidents
Goodman pointed out one major contributor to the higher call volume during the holidays: travel. “We see an increase in things like traffic accidents,” he said. With many families bringing in relatives from out of state, Charlotte’s roads get busier than ever. Unfortunately, this surge in traffic can lead to an uptick in accidents.
Another hotspot for emergency calls during Thanksgiving is none other than Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Goodman notes, “Charlotte’s airport is huge. The volume there is very, very high.” It makes sense, with so many people arriving in town to celebrate the holidays. As a result, the Medic team keeps a close eye on the calls coming from the airport, ready to jump into action as needed.
Medic’s All-Hands-On-Deck Approach
The reality is that while many are enjoying time with their loved ones, Medic is fully committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in the region—24/7. “Our number one priority is being where you know when and where our patients need us the most,” Goodman emphasizes. This is not just a job; it’s a serious commitment to community welfare.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
While it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, it’s crucial to remember and appreciate those who dedicate their holidays to serve others. As the bustle of Thanksgiving fills the air, let us not forget that behind every festive meal, there are heroes making sure everyone is safe and sound. Whether it’s a minor mishap or a serious incident, the Medic team stands ready to respond.
This Thanksgiving, as you enjoy your turkey and cranberry sauce, take a moment to give a shout-out to the first responders working tirelessly in the background. Their readiness and commitment truly embody the spirit of community, making sure that everyone else can celebrate safely.
So from all of us who appreciate those who run towards emergencies while the rest of us run towards the dinner table, here’s to the brave men and women on duty this Thanksgiving!
