A Portsmouth Ambulance crashed on US 23 North during the early morning hours of Tuesday. Around 1 am, multiple callers, reported a rollover accident. The crash shut down both lanes of US 23 North.
The Crash
According to confidential sources close to the investigation, the accident happened while the ambulance was ‘running hot’ responding to a call. That means lights and sirens were turned on.
OSP stated the driver fell asleep at the wheel causing the crash. Further, our sources stated that a Portsmouth Ambulance employee was severely injured as a result of the crash. We are unable to confirm specific details until the investigation report is made available. However, if you listen to the scanner call, you can hear that Portsmouth Ambulance arranged for an air ambulance to land at the scene.
Portsmouth Ambulance said, “No comment.” when we contacted them on Wednesday. Officers at the Scioto County Sheriff’s Department were unable to provide any information since the Ohio State Highway Patrol handled the incident. The official crash report is not available yet from the state. We will update you as soon as we have it in hand.
Press the Play button to hear the scanner call.
The Real Problem
According to experts at the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, driver fatigue is a serious problem for both first responders and their patients.
In published guidelines to combat fatigue, the organization said, “Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel work shifts and deliver emergent health care to the acutely ill and injured on the roadside, in patients’ homes, and other environments. They must deliver this care while under significant time pressure and stress. Fatigue is a threat that is often overlooked by EMS leadership and personnel as “just part of the job.“
The fatigue guidelines consisted of the following measures:
- Use of fatigue/sleepiness surveys to measure and monitor EMS personnel fatigue.
- Limit EMS shifts to less than 24 hours in duration.
- Provide EMS personnel access to caffeine to help stave off fatigue.
- Allow EMS personnel the opportunity to nap while on duty.
- Provide education and training in fatigue risk management to EMS personnel.
The Response From The Family
“Our family would like to thank everyone who has sent love and prayers our way. We are glad to say that Jeremy Gullett will be returning home today. He suffered multiple spinal fractures but will recover without surgery. Both families have a long road to recovery. Not just due to the physical injuries, but the emotional traumas we have all been subjected to by the negativity surrounding the situation. To all those making negative comments please be more respectful of our families. Falling asleep at the wheel happens all the time by those not on a squad. We love and respect the person who was driving dearly, he is and always be our family.
We hold no ill will and wish more than anything we could take away all the pain he and his family are experiencing. We should be the only ones allowed to form an opinion on the matter, and our opinion is it was an accident and we are so grateful God was watching over them and kept them safe. These men do so much for society and it goes unnoticed and unthanked. The second something unfortunate happens their character is being crucified by the internet. They do what they do because they care about the people of this county.
The hatred both families have experienced through this is immeasurable. These are the moments that make or break the decision for someone to become a first responder. EMS is so short-staffed and the negativity they are subjected to is why so many people leave the business. For those complaining about 24 hr shifts, just remember they have to work those otherwise the area wouldn’t have enough coverage as these positions are understaffed. If they didn’t work those shifts response times would be much longer. It only takes a few moments for a critical situation to turn tragic. What if those few moments to save a life were missed and a loved one lost because of increased response times? People really need to sit back and think about both sides before they comment or bully someone.”