Paramedic Ryan Murphy at Wrightwood’s Station 14, recently offered our office an overview of the department’s PistenBully Snow Cat, sharing insights on how this equipment has enhanced emergency response in the community.
“This Snow Cat has been a game-changer for us,” Murphy explains, recalling “Snowmageddon” when the area saw more than 5 feet of snow accumulation.
“With this Snow Cat, we can now go deep into the town, reaching people in the most extreme conditions,” he adds.
The Snow Cat, equipped with rubber tracks and a plow, is tailored for navigating through deep powder, though less effective on icy surfaces. “It’s our first Snow Cat with a plow, which helps us significantly with the powder and deep snow,” says Murphy.
The vehicle also features a large compartment capable of accommodating over 10 people or eight with two Stokes baskets, which is crucial for medical evacuations or transporting people from inaccessible snow-covered roads.
Murphy emphasizes the operational strategy, noting, “For lighter snow, we use chains on our engines, but the Snow Cat is essential for when conditions get really bad.”
The funding for this equipment, he points out, came from local tax contributions, highlighting community involvement in their own safety measures. “It’s all funded through local tax money, and we’ve just got another grant approved for a second Snow Cat,” Murphy says.
The PistenBully Snow Cat has not only enhanced the department’s capabilities but also reassured the community’s safety in winter’s worst conditions, ensuring that even in the depths of a snowstorm, help is never too far away.