EMT, paramedic injured when patient becomes combative, steals rig

By EMS1 Staff

CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — Police recovered a damaged Anmoore EMS ambulance after a patient hijacked the ambulance while being transported to the hospital.

EMS personnel with the Anmoore Volunteer Fire Department and the Clarksburg Police Department responded to a medical call in Clarksburg, 12 WBOY reported. The paramedic and EMT arrived on the scene and loaded the patient in the ambulance to evaluate the patient for mental health issues.

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During transport, the patient became aggressive, holding the EMT in a chokehold. The paramedic driving the ambulance pulled over and went to the back of the rig to help. Both providers exited the ambulance to avoid further injury by the patient, which gave the patient the opportunity to steal the rig.

During a police pursuit of the ambulance, the patient hit multiple power lines, causing extensive damage to the rig before police were able to stop the vehicle and apprehend the patient.

The first responders were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.