Oklahoma Emergency Crews Respond To Joplin Devastation

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- An EMSA Strike Team from the Tulsa area has been dispatched to Joplin, according to Public Information Officer Chris Stevens.

"The purpose of the Strike Team is to move into a devastated area and stabilize the situation for the local medical response systems which are overwhelmed with any devastation," Stevens said.

"The goal is to stabilize until the local services can again function normally."

An eight-man crew from the Tulsa Police Disaster Response Team (DRT) is also headed to Missouri. Their first job will be to assist crews in Joplin and assess how best to provide help.

The EMSA Strike Team consists of one mechanic, 12 paramedics, five ambulances and enough medical/rescue equipment to treat up to 150 patients for several days.

So far Missouri is requesting a 5-unit ambulance strike team, Stevens said.

Other medics heading to the Joplin area include three units from the Miami Grove EMS and a unit from Oolagah-Talalah (OTEMS).

"OTEMS has been requested to assist as part of an EMS (Emergency Medical Service) task force to go to Joplin. We are taking one unit and a command vehicle," said Kelly Deal, OTEMS operations director.

The Tulsa Fire Department has also sent two Urban Search and Rescue units to assist with the rescues.

The Tulsa Police Department has sent one disaster relief team, which consists of eight officers.

Ten officers from the Mayes County Sheriff's office have been deployed to Joplin.  Thirty-five workers, including firefighters, were deployed as part of the Mayes County Emergency Management team.