Emergency Responders Battle Road Conditions In Tulsa-Area

NewsOn6.com & Rick Wells, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tuesday's snow was a double whammy because drivers were stranded and needed help, but emergency crews could hardly get around. 

Since late Monday night to 8 a.m. Tuesday EMSA crews in the Tulsa area have responded to a number of calls for assistance.

EMSA says its paramedics are out in full force responding to 911 calls.

"We make sure the trucks have everything they need for the day," Jason Dillard, with EMSA, said.

EMSA spokesperson Chris Stevens says there are several EMSA four wheel drive command staff vehicles helping their crews when they have gotten stuck in the snow.

Stevens said they have seen a 25 percent increase in calls over normal but not all of them required transport to hospitals.  He said calls have varied from garden variety medical calls, to slip and falls to fender benders. 

Stevens says they have extra staff members and management on hand as well as a special Polaris six wheel drive rescue vehicle that can go virtually anywhere to reach those in need.

"It's terrible outside right now so just gotta make do," Matt Somnis, with EMSA said.

Tulsa firefighters are also facing treacherous road conditions.  One fire truck got stuck at a Tulsa apartment complex.

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper was just one of the emergency responders who didn't make it where he was going. His Dodge Charger is rear wheel drive, and has studded tires, but that wasn't enough.

"We're starting to get impassable, even for four-wheel drive," he said.

If you have a medical emergency or your life is in danger you are encouraged to call 911.

However, you have an urgent situation other than a medical or life threatening emergency, please call 211 for information on services available.

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