Ambulance Involved in Crash

[Misty]

They had to call an ambulance for an ambulance Monday afternoon.

A Walton County EMS crew was transporting a patient to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast when they rear-ended a BMW on Hwy. 331 South near Mallet Bayou Road around 4 PM

Walton County Public Information Director Louis Svelah said the driver of the other vehicle, the original patient, Paramedic and EMT were all taken to Sacred Heart for treatment.

The EMS crew was released later that afternoon. The EMT/driver, 20-year-old Jordan I. Doyle of DeFuniak Springs was charged with Careless Driving and taken to Healthmark Regional Medical Center in DeFuniak Springs for drug testing, which is standard protocol. Results are pending and the accident remains under investigation.

Article from WZEP

John G,

331 South is a State maintained Hwy which, explains FHP involvement. Clearly (according to the article) FHP is "following standard protocol". If this is "standard protocol" it begs the question why the same procedure wasn't followed when the Academy principal plunged into the bay. Simple answer though...NO WCSO officials there mucking it up.

I also happen to know Jordan and if what I know of her is true, I doubt seriously she will fail a drug test. She is a fairly new EMT and I think youth and inexperience were not on her side.

 

[Low Brow]

I know nothing other than what I have read here, but Careless Driving? Really!? Doesn't the very need for a large loud vehicle with sirens and lights mean as the driver you are going to have to drive outside of the norm? Meaning isn't the operator of the ambulance required to drive carelessly, to some degree? If I drive like an ambulance needs to, I get a careless driving ticket, I get that. I am not sure it should work the other way around.

 

[Matt J]

Lights and sirens isn't cart blanch to act like a fool.I believe SWFD is limited to 10 mph over the speed limit.

 

[John G]

They say "charged" and as far as I know, Careless Driving can be a citation or arrest (maybe I'm confused).

Either way, how is it that within one day of this incident there is action taken and in the case of Ruder (Principal at the Walton Academy) it took about 8 months? How? Here's how:

WCSO was first to respond (multiple officers and no one wrote a report...) and someone covered it up (IMO). Ruder went HOME!!! He actually went home, BEFORE FHP Arrived and then went to interview him.

After the Media Event by Sheriff Mike (Photo Op), the public started to realize what all happened and a lot of people became very upset as it sure appeared as if a Walton County School District Employee received very, very preferential treatment in a very serious incident (DUI w/ Property Damage). Nice Job Sheriff... Fair and Equal to All right?

Then it took all the local media coverage to force the State Attorney to actual look to prosecute the case. FHP knew the whole thing stank from the start.

Enter another Adkinson, this time Clay. Surprise, surprise he represents Ruder and gets the wife to write a ridiculous statement about how Ruder came home (after the crash) and THEN drank Vodka!!! Absolutely (no pun intended) brilliant!

Any other citizen would have been arrested, booked, convicted and lost their job. Not here in CoWal.

 

[Misty]

Lights and sirens isn't cart blanch to act like a fool.I believe SWFD is limited to 10 mph over the speed limit.

I agree it's no reason to act a fool but there is some amount of reckless driving involved in being an EMT. Again, I know Jordan and I personally think her youth and inexperience contributed to the accident. She is a fairly new EMT (maybe 4 or 5 months out) and has wanted to be an EMT for a long long time. She worked really hard to become certified and I'm disappointed that this has happened and it appears to be her fault. I'm also sure she is even more disappointed in herself.

 

[Matt J]

Drinking after an accident is old trick. Even made an appearance on a legal drama. Boston something...?

 

[Bob Wells]

Have any of you driven an emergency vehicle, whether it be a patrol car, ambulance or fire truck?

 

[Misty]

Have any of you driven an emergency vehicle, whether it be a patrol car, ambulance or fire truck?

What's your point Mr. Defense?

 

[Bob Wells]

Just a question about the experience of those who are commenting on this subject? NWF State College and Gulf Coast State College both offer an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course), which is require to be employed as an EMT or Paramedic in the State of Florida. Maybe that would be an option for some to understand the accountability those who operate those vehicles have. Those that operate these type of vehicles have a certain amount of latitude when operating but with the highest regard for safety. With the sound proofing of today's vehicles and the distractions of drivers it is even more imperative that those who drive these vehicles are alway driving defensively, to not just to protect themselves but those around them. Hope this is more informative and helps those who are really interested in this and just not for the drama. Be aware, pull to the right when an emergency vehicle approaches.

 

[Misty]

Just a question about the experience of those who are commenting on this subject? NWF State College and Gulf Coast State College both offer an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course), which is require to be employed as an EMT or Paramedic in the State of Florida. Maybe that would be an option for some to understand the accountability those who operate those vehicles have. Those that operate these type of vehicles have a certain amount of latitude when operating but with the highest regard for safety. With the sound proofing of today's vehicles and the distractions of drivers it is even more imperative that those who drive these vehicles are alway driving defensively, to not just to protect themselves but those around them. Hope this is more informative and helps those who are really interested in this and just not for the drama. Be aware, pull to the right when an emergency vehicle approaches.

I don't think anyone was questioning anyone's accountability. FHP obviously determined who they believed was accountable for the accident. Right or wrong they made the call.

I think everyone understands EMT's, firefighters and law enforcement officers work under very stressful conditions/hazards.

I think you're trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill with your "drama" comment but in fairness, there is some amount of drama when the law isn't applied equally to all of us and not just some of us.