Clear pathways to home in case of an emergency

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – An important reminder not just to clear your sidewalks from snow, but to clear a pathway to your front door.

22News spoke with the American Medical Response branch in Springfield. They told us over the past couple of weeks they’ve been on a number of emergency calls only to find, no pathways shoveled to the front door. They said the extra time it takes to get in, and out of a home can be a matter of life and death.

“We do come across that. Someone has a cardiac history and they’re having a problem with their heart, time is muscle is the rule. So delays can cause further injury,” said Jeff Suriano, an AMR Field Supervisor.

Suriano said it’s also important to note when you do clear a pathway, to make sure it’s wide enough to fit a stretcher. At least three feet wide is a good measure.