It’s been a good winter so far for Parkland Ambulance.

They haven’t had to treat any major cold-related conditions.

Despite the cold snap that hit the prairies last week – where temperatures hit the -30s and wind chills even lower – so far nobody has been seriously left out in the cold.

Lyle Karasiuk would like to keep it that way.

“We’ve had a few cases of minor frostbite and come calls for people who are cold. I’m not aware of anything that’s happened where we’ve had a … significant cold illness or injury,” he said.

The director of public affairs said that’s thanks to the services the city has available, and to residents for looking out for each other.

“Cold affects people in different ways.. People who are marginalizes and rely on shelter or some other means, we’ve been finding that the cold has affected them a bit more,” he said.

“Fortunately we have our cold weather shelter at the YWCA and other mechanisms to help them. We’ve been able to keep those folks warms and comfortable and healthy and safe during the cold weather that we’ve had.”

They do appreciate having a few extra pairs of eyes watching over the neighbourhood.

“We’ve been doing this through the cold times with our Twitter account. We’ve been trying to tell people: if you’re coming home form a Christmas party or show or visiting friends, or if you’re a shift worker and you see somebody wandering the streets or sitting at a bus stop when you know darn well the bus doesn’t run, call 911,” Karasiuk said.

For more on this story, please see the Dec. 23 subscription-based print or e-edition of the Prince Albert Daily Herald.