OK EMSA Responders Get First Major Test In Winter Blast

This winter weather blast took its toll on responders, Sunday.

Paramedics with EMSA responded to roughly 26 injury accidents Sunday morning into the afternoon and they anticipate an equally busy night ahead.

Paramedics with EMSA not only had to respond to their normal medical calls Sunday, but they also had to respond to some drivers who, despite the warning, made the decision to get behind the wheel.

"All it takes is that one moment of loss of traction," said Colin Roy, operations supervisor with EMSA.

Loss of traction means loss of control and in many cases, off the road.

"The crews are almost [working] call-after-call on a regular basis. So when we have weather like this, it's almost a guarantee once they get one patient delivered to the hospital, they'll be going to another call."

2/2/2014 Related Story: First Winter Storm Of 2014 Moving Across Oklahoma

So, when the call volume goes up, brothers Colin and Mike Roy respond to the responders.

"We're trying to meet up with as many of our crews as possible," said Mike Roy, operations supervisor with EMSA. "We carry certain types of foods with us, snacks because the crews on days like this are extremely busy and may not have a chance to eat."

They also drive around watching for anyone that could be stranded or to simply mark abandoned vehicles with tape.

"If we know that one's been taped already, then we know we don't have to respond to it," said Mike.

On days when the call volume is so high, EMSA puts additional crews on the road. And on Super Bowl Sunday, Colin and Mike fear a busy night ahead.

"It has the potential to be pretty ugly," said Colin. "A party such as a Super Bowl party that there would be alcoholic beverages consumed and of course that just complicates things more."

The best advice EMSA responders say is not getting out if you can avoid it.