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Houston firefighter/paramedic dies after medical emergency during patient transport

Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Scott fell ill during a patient transport, was flown to Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center for surgery, and later died

HOUSTON — A Houston firefighter/paramedic died after suffering a medical emergency while transporting a patient, the Houston Fire Department said.

On Sept. 14, Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Scott became ill while en route to HCA Kingwood with a patient and was admitted to the same hospital, KENS 5 reported.

Scott was later transferred by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. He died on Sept. 17 from resulting complications, according to the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.

In a statement, the city said Scott joined the department in 1997. In addition to fire and EMS duties, Scott worked as the manager for the department’s Base Station services operated by SETRAC, which coordinates patient handling, ensuring that patients are matched with hospitals with appropriate resources and availability.

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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.