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Ambulance crash survivor calls for safer EMS transport design in wake of N.C. LODD

After Paramedic Ashley Moore was killed in a high-speed ambulance crash, a Mecklenburg EMT urged more research into protecting crews during patient transport

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cleveland County Paramedic Ashley Moore, 37, died July 6 after an alleged impaired driver struck her ambulance at high speed in Gaston County.

The crash brought back painful memories for Mecklenburg EMS EMT Gabriel Smith, who survived a similar collision in 2023, WSOC reported.

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Smith was treating a patient when a car traveling about 100 mph struck his ambulance in May 2023. He suffered a concussion and other injuries.

He said the crash reinforced the need for better ways to protect EMS crews, noting that providers often cannot remain buckled in because they must move around the ambulance to care for patients.

“There is a lot of work to be done,” Smith said. “I think that we could do more research into what could make the trucks safer, especially during transport, in a collision.”

Try these tips to make seat belt use in the patient care compartment just as normal as your personal vehicle
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.