Oklahoma official demands more PPE for first responders

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Oklahoma officials are demanding for more personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders.

Wagoner County Representative Kevin McDugle is hopeful for a new shipment of gear Monday after receiving a disappointing shipment Friday.

McDugle said the county received 4,000 masks to split between 18 counties and three cities, which left barely enough gear to protect their first responders.

He said in Wagoner County alone, they need 15,000 masks that typically last them about 30 days.

McDugle said Friday's shipment only supplied the sheriff's office with 80 masks, barely sufficient.

He is expecting another donation from a private business on Monday, but said it could get delayed.

Due to the lack of supplies, law enforcement agencies are starting to get creative by putting a cloth mask over an N95 mask.

"They can wash them and put them back on over the same mask," McDugle said. "Police agencies that don't have supplies or limited budget, they're able to do that to prolong the lack of the masks."

McDugle said he's doing all he can to make sure those on the front lines don't get sick, or there will be even more chaos in Oklahoma's communities.