First responders approaching Game 7 of NBA Finals with 'all hands on deck' mentality
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement agencies say they're ready to work around the clock Sunday for Game 7 of the NBA Finals at the Paycom Center.
"I will tell you that enforcement will begin far before anybody even thinks about it being out there. We will have things in place. We will have people in position, people they may see and some they may not," Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson III said.
Sheriff Johnson said the Oklahoma City Police Department is leading the charge, and Oklahoma County Deputies will assist when needed.
Surrounding police department agencies are also stepping in to help.
Medical crews will also be on standby for any potential emergencies.
Riley Howard, Community and Special Events Coordinator for EMSA, said, "We are planning to bring in numerous team members from our Tulsa division, our reserve staff, and our clinical administrative staff. It will be an all-hands-on-deck situation."
Howard also says to be hyper-aware at outdoor watch parties, with expected temperatures in the 90s on Sunday before tip-off.
On Thursday, Howard said EMSA responded to 10 heat-related medical emergencies early afternoon and through game time, with several of them being taken to emergency rooms for treatment.
"We had a pretty surprising uptick in heat-related illnesses yesterday, total across both divisions, we had ten heat-related patients that we responded to. It's not the time to start drinking fluids. Once you're outside and you realize it's hot, we really need to start drinking those fluids hours before the event or even the day before," said Howard.
While first responders are prepared for all scenarios, they do want fans to celebrate the Thunder's big season.
Tip-off is Sunday at 7 p.m.