‘Not Our First Rodeo:' EMSA First Responders Ready For Severe Weather Season

EMSA ambulance crews must be ready to respond to emergencies.

These paramedics ensure they prepare before expected storms. Their experience with Oklahoma weather gears them up for the challenge. 

On a calm Monday afternoon at EMSA headquarters in OKC ambulances sit idle, but they’re ready to shift into gear. Clinical services specialist David Bingham said carries a passion for public service. “I enjoy it,” Bingham said. “It’s a great feeling to go and help others.” 

The sky on Monday afternoon illustrated the reason for an extra drop of preparation in EMSA’s recipe of efficiency. A necessary ingredient when severe weather is in the forecast. “We gotta be prepared to respond to those as well as those severe weather-related incidences,” Bingham said. 

Their routine plans reflect their expertise. “Definitely not our first rodeo – for sure,” Bingham said. 

Plenty of severe weather scenarios developed their strategies to save lives. “We train with the fire department and the police department on those types of situations all the time,” Bingham said. 

Bingham said they drive home communication to stay organized and build command posts to reach people caught in the path of tornadoes. “We rely on our dispatchers,” Bingham said. “[We] set very specific places and instances to be able to triage, treat, and then transport those patients off those scenes and those locations.” 

OKC firefighters recommend homeowners register their storm shelters. Emergency leaders know the drill. “If plan a doesn’t work, we’ve got plan b, c, d, and e to run through,” Bingham said. 

While the weather stands still, first responders’ preparation is already set in motion. “Definitely the Oklahoma standard,” Bingham said. 

Bingham said people should make a severe weather emergency plan with their family. He said anyone in an emergency should always call 911. 

Another ambulance group, American Medical Response, says to look out for lightning. They say if you're stuck outside during a storm -- to stay away from isolated trees and metal tools -- and get low to the ground.