Trending Topics

N.H. EMT suffers medical event before ambulance crash

Officials said when first responders arrived, the Candia EMT was unresponsive

CANDIA, N.H. — A Candia EMT driving an ambulance back to the fire station after a hospital drop-off reportedly experienced a medical emergency, causing the ambulance to crash into trees. The passenger EMT quickly sprang into action to treat her partner.

Fire department officials reported the driver apparently suffered a medical event on Jan. 6, crossing into the opposite lane and veering off the road for about 200 feet, striking a traffic sign and several small trees before coming to rest in a ditch, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.

“The passenger was able to actually help the driver who had the medical problem, which was nice,” Fire Chief Dean Young said. “I guess if you’re going to get into an accident, it’s nice to have an EMT sitting beside you.”

The driver and passenger were hospitalized following the crash. The driver remains in stable condition, while the passenger was released on Jan. 6, WCVB reported.

No patients were in the ambulance, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Trending
Dramatic video shows masts snapping as sailors dangled from harnesses when a Mexican navy ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge
After responding to a call just blocks from their station, Wichita Fire Station 5 and Sedgwick County EMS resuscitated a newborn in distress
Careerline Tech Center EMS students put their training to the test during rescue simulations that double as real-world prep and a potential path to employment
CPR
With more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S., the majority prove fatal, often due to delays in care. Quick intervention is critical, yet fewer than half of victims receive help before EMS arrives

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.