A paramedic has lost her right leg in an accident between an ambulance and a pickup truck. According to Florence officials, the ambulance and truck were involved in an accident at approximately 5:02 a.m. on Church Street. As a result, three people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The driver of the truck, who was employed by a local lumber company and driving a company vehicle, was charged with driving under the influence. He was also charged with driving on a suspended license.
Authorities noted that the ambulance crew was responding to a call and were a few hours away from the end of their shift. It was then that their vehicle was struck head on by the pickup truck.
The EMS Director added the following:
“These folks were on their way to help someone one minute, and they were in need of help literally just a few seconds later.”
At this time, the accident is under investigation by both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the City of Florence Police Department.
Unfortunately, the paramedic who lost her leg is facing many serious medical concerns. Although she is in critical condition, there is hope that her condition will improve in the days to come.
This type of accident is never easy to understand, as it involves one group of people trying to help others as well as a person who made a mistake in judgement by driving under the influence.
Fortunately for those injured in the accident, they were able to receive immediate medical care to help stabilize their conditions.
Source: WTVM, “Paramedic injured in crash with DUI suspect loses leg, family confirms,” Kelly Matter, March 11, 2016
