Carilion Clinic Patient Trasnportation - CCT Injury accident

Date: October 23, 2008 12:46 pm  

Program: Carilion Clinic Patient Trasnportation
	431 McClanahan Ave
	Roanoke VA

Model: Ford E-350 Van

Type: Type II

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Road: Clear

Team: EMT-Basic (Driver), EMT-Intermediate (AIC), Patient . Injuries. Patient on board. 

Description: 
	The ambulance was transporting a patient non-emergency (no lights / no
	siren)  from a rehabilitation facility to a doctor's appointment. 
	While in transit westbound on a four lane highway they were in the
	left lane traveling approximately 35 mph in a 45 mph speed zone.  A
	tractor trailer was in the right lane, slowing and signaling to make a
	right turn at an upcoming intersection.  At the same time, a SUV type
	vehicle was southbound from a side street and entered the intersection
	in front of the tractor trailer and the ambulance. The SUV then came
	to a complete stop in front of the ambulance.  The driver of the
	ambulance began hard braking to reduce their speed, attempting to
	avoid the collision.  The driver of the ambulance was able to slow
	down to less than 10 mph prior to the impact.  The AIC had just
	finished his patient assessment and was still unbuckled on the bench
	seat in the rear of the ambulance.  The hard deceleration propelled
	him into the bulkhead, however he sustained no injuries.  The driver
	of the other vehicle denied any injury and did not wish to go to the
	hospital.  The driver of the ambulance called the Communications
	Center and activated our Ground PAIP Process.  The patient on board
	was transported to the ER for evaluation, as was the driver of the
	ambulance.  All patients were discharged from the ED by the end of the
	day.  The patient was returned to the rehabilitation center.
	

Additional Info: 
	The patient was wearing 3 cross belts and 2 shoulder straps (5 point
	safety system).  The patient was interviewed by Administrative
	personnel and attributed the shoulder straps as being directly
	responsible for holding them onto the stretcher during impact.  
	
	The driver of the ambulance completed a fitness for duty examination
	(per Policy) and returned to duty the next day.  The AIC was able to
	complete his shift.
	
	After the accident, the stretcher could not be locked into the
	vehicle mounts.  There may have been a failure as a result of the hard
	deceleration and subsequent impact.  This will be reevaluated after
	the unit has been repaired.
	
	Drivecam had been installed and was functional on this unit.  Review
	of the accident substantiated the account given by our employees.  The
	other driver was cited by local police.  Drivecam also revealed our
	driver was wearing his seatbelt and had an appropriate reaction to the
	impending collision preventing further damage or the involvement of
	other vehicles traveling on the roadway.
	
	This was 1 of 2 different and completely unrelated accidents
	experienced within our organization in the same day.  A Safety
	Debriefing was held the next day with all leadership staff across all
	Divisions.  Lessons learned were discussed and subsequently shared
	with all staff members.    
	

Source: Kevin Peters, Safety Officer - Carilion Clinic Patient Trans

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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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