Vanderbilt LifeFlight - CCT Injury accident

Date: 10/21/07 1954 CDT

Program: Vanderbilt LifeFlight
	Vanderbilt University Medical Center
	LifeFlight Skyport
	Nashville, TN 37232-7430

Model: Freightliner Chassis, Wheeled Coach Ambulance

Type: Type I

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Road: Clear

Injuries: 
	Darin Rutledge, EMT/Driver - not injured
	Jane Todd, NNP - not injured
	Carrie Simpson, RN - not injured
	Adam Crotzer, EMT - injured
	

Description: 
	Vanderbilt Neonatal Transport Team enroute to pick up patient. While
	traveling along the interstate, a tractor trailer wheel and tire was
	noted in the middle of the lane that the ambulance was traveling.
	There was another vehicle in the lane to the right of the ambulance,
	so the ambulance struck the wheel forcing it to the left. The
	ambulance swerved and came to rest after striking the center concrete
	median. Upon impact, all interior lights went out in the ambulance,
	however the emergency lights continued to run. There was significant
	damage to the left, front of the ambulance. Flight Communications
	contacted the crew, via radio, immediately after the accident, for a
	routine check, and the PAIP was initiated. All occupants were wearing
	seat belts. All occupants were checked out at Vanderbilt Medical
	Center and released from the Emergency Department. The Tennessee
	Highway Patrol was present to investigate the scene and file an
	accident report. 

Additional Info: 
	A small refrigerator became unsecured in the accident- Program is
	looking at additional securing methods. Otherwise, all other equipment
	remained secure. Crew credits reflective striping on the sides of
	uniforms as keeping the crew safer after the accident, by being more
	visible.

Source: Jason Huffman, RN- Program Safety Officer

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The CONCERN network shares verified information to alert medical transport
programs when an accident / incident has occurred. Please share the above
information with your program staff. If you have further questions, please
contact the CONCERN Coordinator, David Kearns at 800 525 3712 or email:
coordinator@concern-network.org.

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