MEDIC calls at Charlotte Douglas spike around holiday season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With thousands of people flying in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport for the holiday, there’s no disputing it’s busy.

All those travelers, means MEDIC gets a lot more calls at the airport around this time of year.

“The airport has really become one of our busiest parts of town,” said Lester Oliva, with MEDIC.

Channel 9 found most of the calls during the holiday rush are for seniors traveling with medications.

There were 62 calls during Thanksgiving week this year and 77 calls last Christmas, a nearly 50 percent increase from the usual activity.

“It would not be unusual to see that happen again this year,” Oliva said.

However, some calls are more unusual.

First responders delivered a baby on Thanksgiving last month after the mom went into labor just 20 minutes before landing.

Former North Carolina lawmaker Tricia Cotham tweeted Sunday that she watched a man suffer a heart attack at the airport.

"Having someone respond and being able to find you, that would be my concern with so many people,” airport passenger Sonia Taylor said.

Taylor has used a wheelchair at the airport for the last several years.

We took her concern to MEDIC directly.

“We have a whole system in place to make sure we can get the patient to the right place at the right time. Managing the crowds, getting a parking space for our ambulance,” Oliva said.

According to Olivia, stress can aggravate a medical condition, which then creates a medical emergency.

“Just take your time; enjoy the trip,” he added.

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MEDIC is also encouraging passengers to download the Pulse Point App before you travel.

The app alerts people with life-saving skills to help those who are in medical emergencies nearby.

Medic said every moment matters and the app can expedite help.

© 2019 Cox Media Group