SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A Springfield firefighter/paramedic is home with family after being stabbed while on duty.
The firefighter/paramedic was part of a crew transporting a person to Springfield Regional Medical Center on July 8 for a court-ordered mental health evaluation when the stabbing occurred, WLWT reported.
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Officials said the patient stabbed the paramedic in the back during the transport, causing non-life-threatening injuries. Springfield police responded and took the patient into custody.
The paramedic was taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been released. They are now recovering at home, WHIO reported.
“This incident is a reminder that first responders face unpredictable and dangerous situations every day, even on calls initially believed to be low risk,” Fire Chief Jacob King told WLWT. “We are grateful our member’s injuries were not more severe and appreciate the rapid response and support provided by the Springfield Police Division and our healthcare partners.”
Has your department changed its approach to safety, patient restraints or law enforcement assistance during behavioral health transports?
EMS1 readers respond
"’ve done many such transports, including from jail, MVAs, businesses/residences. In all cases, LEOs were on-scene. My question is, was this a situation where there were officers present, where they could perform a weapons search? There were times we didn’t make entry into a DV call if PD wasn’t there (and I verified they had been dispatched along with us). I hope this medic will heal well, and future calls remain safe.”
