Acadian Ambulance Boosts Resources for Mardi Gras Safety

Expanded staffing, specialized vehicles, and safety tips aim to keep revelers safe during Acadiana's busy parade season.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As Mardi Gras parades roll through Acadiana, the region's Acadian Ambulance service is increasing staffing and resources to help ensure public safety throughout the busy celebration season. The ambulance service will provide coverage for 13 parades across eight parishes, staffing more than 39 units and adding extra units during peak parade times. They are also deploying specialized vehicles like Gators and an AM bus to handle potential mass casualty incidents.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a hugely popular celebration in Acadiana, drawing large crowds that can strain emergency services. Acadian Ambulance's preparations aim to keep revelers safe and respond quickly to any incidents or medical emergencies that may occur during the parades and festivities.

The details

Acadian Ambulance is adding at least 12 extra units to be stationed along parade routes and on standby. They will also have two Gators, which are medical side-by-side vehicles, five ambulances, and an AM bus that can transport up to 17 patients in case of a mass casualty event. Officials are urging paradegoers to take safety seriously, emphasizing the importance of not drinking and driving, designating meeting areas for groups, watching for tripping hazards, and not jumping parade barriers.

  • Mardi Gras parades will be rolling through Acadiana in the coming weeks.

The players

Acadian Ambulance

A regional ambulance service that provides emergency medical transportation and care across Acadiana.

Jimmy Dupuy

Acadian Ambulance operation supervisor who is overseeing the increased resources and safety measures for the Mardi Gras season.

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What they’re saying

“We are going to add additional units throughout the Mardi Gras season, at least 12 extra units.”

— Jimmy Dupuy, Acadian Ambulance operation supervisor (KLFY)

“The big one's going to be don't drink and drive. One we like to say is designate a meeting area for your group. Watch for trip hazards. Mardi Gras throws, curves and barriers. Speaking of barriers, don't jump the barriers.”

— Jimmy Dupuy, Acadian Ambulance operation supervisor (KLFY)

What’s next

Acadian Ambulance will continue to monitor the Mardi Gras celebrations and adjust resources as needed to ensure public safety throughout the busy parade season.

The takeaway

Acadian Ambulance's comprehensive safety preparations for Mardi Gras, including increased staffing, specialized vehicles, and safety tips for revelers, demonstrate the importance of proactive emergency planning for large-scale events that draw massive crowds.