Medical response teams at PGA Championship aided by 120 volunteer doctors and nurses

SOUTHERN HILLS TULSA, Okla. — Tuesday marked the second day of practice rounds at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills. It was also marked by a noticeable uptick in the number of spectators who turned out who watch some of their favorite golfers close-up.

While temperatures on Tuesday were delightful, Tulsa is in for a warm up over the next several days.

FOX23 News spent time at the course on Tuesday learning more about the efforts underway to keep spectators safe while enjoying watching some of the best golfers in the world.

Golf fans had a chance to see 28-year old golfer Jordan Speith up close on the practice green Tuesday.

“He looks really good,” said golf fan Danny Thompson, “They all look really good, it’s humbling see these players hit great shots.”

Thompson plans to return to Southern Hills for the championship rounds on Friday, and he says he’ll be ready for the heat as temperatures climb into the 90′s.

“I’m going to be drinking Gatorade and water,” he noted. He’s in good company, Cheryl MacDonald and Sandy Kimmerle of Arizona are prepared for whatever mother nature decides to throw their way.

“Sunscreen, water, hat, definitely the way to go,” Kimmerle remarked.

That’s timely advice, according to Conrad Collison, EMS Supervisor and paramedic with the Tulsa Fire Department .

“We’ve had some trips and falls,” Collison said, “heat is an issue, dehydrations calls.”

In addition to the two first aid stations on the golf course, Collison says Tulsa Fire has six crews all in golf carts, out on the golf course.

They helped attend to a woman who had passed out, who was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

There are three EMSA units strategically placed at Southern Hills this week.

The medical response is also getting a helping hand from 120 doctors and nurses who are volunteering their time during the championship, including Dr. Kevin Dukes who is helping coordinate the effort.

“There’s a lot of people out here, up to thirty or forty thousand people and so we have to have a good plan on how we’re going to handle any injuries we may have,” he remarked.

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