By EMS1 Staff
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — A paramedic was killed and another was injured following a crash, WVLT reports.
Two members of the Jefferson County Rescue Squad had just finished clearing a multi-vehicle crash on I-40 on Aug. 31 when their ambulance was struck by a tractor-trailer, according to the report.
The ambulance, which had its emergency lights activated, turned in front of the tractor-trailer as it tried to access I-40 East at a small interchange, according to the preliminary report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Both paramedics were transported to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville in critical condition where Assistant Chief Jeremy Sutton succumbed to his injuries, according to Jefferson County Rescue Squad. Sutton’s partner, Sarah Brooks, remains in the hospital where she is listed as stable, according to WVLT.
“Jefferson County mourns the loss of Paramedic Jeremy Sutton who passed away last night as a result of an ambulance accident while on duty,” Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts said in a statement. “Our prayers and sympathy are extended to his family and to all our public safety employees. Also, remember Paramedic Sarah Brooks who was also injured in the accident. We pray for Sarah and her family. Thank you to all the public safety agencies who assisted last evening.”
