EMSA Paramedics Report Record Number Of Calls Ahead Of Summer Season

EMSA said it's seeing a record-breaking number of calls for this time of year and anticipates it'll only get busier over the summer months with heat-related calls.

Adam Paluka said people are quick to call 9-1-1 even when they may not need an ambulance.

"We have a lot of smokers. We have an obese, and heavy-set population," said Adam Paluka, EMSA. "We're tasked with responding anytime someone calls 9-1-1."

This means EMSA needs more crews on the streets. EMSA's 4-month-long Advantage program, a zero tuition, in-house EMT school has helped. Students come out with proper credentials and an 18-month contract with EMSA. They must pass a background check and have a valid driver's license and GED.

"They are paid for each day that they are in the classroom," said Adam Paluka, EMSA.

It's also seeing an increase in ambulances having to make unexpected, hard brakes. This year alone, it's seen about 520 hard-braking incidents and 32 near collisions 28 of which were unavoidable.

Paluka said he can't stress this enough: drivers need to be fully present and told us people wearing Air Pods while driving has been a big distraction. If you hear sirens or see emergency vehicle lights, safely move to the right and stop if it's safe to do so while crews pass.

"It's not EMSAs law. It's not the city of Tulsa's law. It's a state law," said Paluka."Those are our most serious life-threatening calls."

EMSA has 55 ambulances in Tulsa that are supposed to run on a 6-year cycle but many of them are two years past their prime and require more preventative maintenance.

"For the past several years there have been long delays from Ford to try and get these chassis off the production line," said Adam Paluka, EMSA.

He said luckily the chip shortages and other supply chain issues have eased over the last few months, which will hopefully put an end to vehicle replacement delays.