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Paramedic turns cop car into makeshift ambulance after Okla. tornado

When power lines prevented Norman paramedics from reaching victims, a police vehicle was offered as a stand-in

AP23058736243731.jpg

Power lines and street signals lay on the ground along Classen Blvd. at Highway 9 on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 in Norman, Okla.

AP Photo/Alonzo Adams

AP23058736243731.jpg

Power lines and street signals lay on the ground along Classen Blvd. at Highway 9 on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 in Norman, Okla.

AP Photo/Alonzo Adams

By Rachel Engel
EMS1

NORMAN, Okla. — As crews attempted to rescue victims after Sunday night’s outbreak of tornados in the state, unique solutions were found to navigate downed obstacles.

Paramedic Riley Furman was unable to make her way in an ambulance to a disaster site due to low-hanging power lines across Highway 9. However, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Overling’s squad car was low enough to maneuver, so he helped turn it into a makeshift ambulance, News 9 reported.

“My car fit underneath the power lines,” Overling said. “We were going to accomplish that goal by however means necessary.”

Furman was able to rescue two people in Overling’s squad car and transport them to the hospital.

“Just glad that the individuals were safe,” Overling said. “That was for me, probably the best feeling.”