Weather Impact On Emergency Medical Services

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Lower overnight temperatures turned some Tulsa area roadways into ice rinks.

Between midnight and 6 a.m. Sunday, EMSA responded to 13 motor vehicle crashes in the greater Tulsa area. Only three motorists sustained injuries; paramedics transported them in fair condition to area hospitals.

Bridges and overpasses froze over first, and crews say the worst roadway appeared to be the Broken Arrow Expressway. EMSA responded to six crashes on the BA during the early morning hours.

As snow began falling in the Tulsa area Saturday, EMSA experienced an increase in calls.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday EMSA responded to more than 100 calls, including 28 wrecks on area roadways, EMSA spokeswoman Tina Wells said.

Six patients were transported to the hospital, and none had life-threatening injuries.

Tulsans are urged to use extreme caution when traveling outdoors. Some roadways, bridges and overpasses remain hazardous, though thawing will occur throughout the day.

EMSA crews ask motorists to observe reduced speeds and leave extra stopping distance between their car and other vehicles.

EMSA warns that sidewalks, driveways and parking lots may also be slick. Paramedics encourage individuals to wear weather-appropriate shoes and, when possible, to walk on surfaces treated with salt, sand or ice melt. Individuals with balance issues should refrain from walking outdoors today. Individuals who fall on a concrete surface could suffer broken bones and other significant injuries.