Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation - CCT Injury accident

Date: October 23, 2008 16:12 pm 

Program: Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation
	431 McClanahan 
	Roanoke VA 24014

Model: Ford E-450 Modular Ambulance

Type: Type III

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Road: Clear

Injuries: 
	EMT-B Driver - injured
	EMT-I  AIC - injured
	Patient Care Aide - injured
	Patient - not injured
	

Description: 
	The ambulance was transporting a patient non-emergency (no lights / no
	siren) from an area hospital discharge to a rehabilitation facility. 
	The ambulance was approaching a light controlled intersection in the
	right lane of a four lane highway.  A passenger car was traveling in
	the left lane, slightly in front of the ambulance.  The light was
	green for both vehicles.  While passing through the intersection, the
	passenger car began to merge to the right into the path and space of
	the ambulance.  The driver of the ambulance started to brake and
	cautiously ease the vehicle to the right to avoid impact.  Though
	impact was avoided with the vehicle, the ambulance did strike and ride
	up on an elevated curb on the right shoulder of the road.  This sudden
	change in movement caused the unrestrained Patient Care Aide (PCA)
	sitting on the side facing bench seat to move forward striking the
	bulkhead, breaking a plexi-glass window and then falling into the
	curb-side door well.  The other vehicle involved failed to stop and
	proceeded on with traffic.  The driver of the ambulance stopped and
	notified our Communications Center who then activated our Ground PAIP
	Plan.  Local emergency Services were dispatched as well as additional
	units from our company. 
	
	The AIC that was seated in the rear-facing Captain's seat experienced
	some right leg pain.  He was not ejected from the seat and possibly
	injured his leg as he attempted to catch the PCA.  
	
	The Driver of the Ambulance complained of lower abdominal pain as a
	result of the seat belt tensioning upon striking the curb.
	
	The patient, who was restrained with 3 cross belts and 2 shoulder
	straps (5 point safety system), was uninjured.  When interviewed after
	the accident, he fully attributed the shoulder straps as the reason
	that he was not injured. 
	

Additional Info: 
	The PCA, Driver and AIC were transported by ambulance and evaluated in
	the ER.  All were subsequently discharged with no significant
	injuries.
	
	Policy review substantiates seatbelts are required at all times while
	riding in the front of our vehicles and at all times while riding in
	the back when patient care does not necessitate otherwise.  
	
	Drivecam had been installed and was functional on this unit.  Review
	of the accident substantiated the account given by our employees.  A
	description of the other vehicle was provided to 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, to include a focus on our policy of
	seatbelt use in the rear patient compartment, were discussed and
	subsequently shared with all staff members. 

Source: Kevin Peters, Safety Officer, Carilion Clinic Patient Transp

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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.

Copyright 2007 ASTNA