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EMSA Proud of Response to Flight Diverted Because of Sick Passengers

KWGS News File Photo

EMSA had an unexpectedly busy weekend, and not just because of the heat.

They were called to respond to a Denver-bound Delta flight from Atlanta diverted to Tulsa International when several passengers felt ill.

EMSA spokesman Adam Paluka said they evaluated everyone on board — 152 people — and were ready for such an incident.

"While it doesn't happen very often, we are definitely prepared for it, and it went exactly according to plan," Paluka said. "We're very proud of how our crews reacted and the professionalism that they exhibited along with their colleagues from other agencies."

EMSA sent three crews to the airport when they heard the flight was landing here, treating nine people with similar symptoms.

The Tulsa Fire Department said passengers who felt ill had elevated blood carbon monoxide levels.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.