Winter Transit Warriors

Spring is upon us, and it is hard to believe that only a few months ago the entire state was in the middle of one of the most active winters we have seen in recent years. No matter the weather: sunshine, rain or snow, dialysis patients and others are dependent on North Carolina transit systems to get them to and from life-saving medical appointments. Below are two examples of systems on opposite ends of the state taking whatever measures necessary to continue service for their passengers.

We’ll Take You There

When nine inches of snow struck western North Carolina earlier this year, staff with Macon County Transit knew that the weather could not stop them from getting dialysis patients to their necessary appointments.

With no four-wheel drive vehicles available, Macon County Transit one February morning was able to enlist the help of local fire department and emergency services staff to transport a dialysis patient to her appointment. A fire department search and rescue vehicle equipped with snow chains and a winch was used to transport the patient. Staff were able to carry the visually-impaired patient in her wheelchair through the snow to the vehicle. The snow chains proved to be ineffective against the snow, so first responders attached the vehicle’s winch to a tree at the top of the hill and was able to get the vehicle on its way.

To get the patient back to her property, local EMS met the transit vehic

le at the end of the road with a Polaris Ranger. Crews transferred the patient from the transit vehicle to the Ranger and were able to transport her back to her house and get her within a few feet of her front door. Because this system worked, Macon County Transit decided to use it again the very next day with no issues.

Thanks to local emergency services and the fire department literally “coming to the rescue,” Macon County Transit was able to ensure that services during those two days were not interrupted.

Transportation for all, no matter the Weather

Bladen Area Rural Transportation System Director Kent Porter has always lived by a traditional family proverb; “Treat everyone as you would treat your mother.” This was never more evident than in the actions exemplified by BARTS during the week of February 10-14.

The roads in Bladen County were incredibly icy and covered with snow.  Porter received several phone calls from patients who needed transportation to the hospital for dialysis treatment.  Faced with the difficult decision of risking the drivers’ lives or the riders, Porter knew that he had to think fast. Porter borrowed three four-wheel drive trucks from the Bladen County Health Department. The vehicles were used to retrieve patients in treacherous road conditions and place them safely in the BARTS vehicles on much safer road conditions. Porter was even able to drive one of the vehicles himself.  Due to his selfless acts, the riders were able to receive treatment and the drivers were able to transport them safely.