EMS involved fatal collision

[scrambledbrains]

If anyone has information on personal involved the accident this morning please share it with us if you can. Also if the is any information on any services for the Medic who lost her life please post it also.


My thoughts and prayers go out to the familys and personal involved.
FF/EMT Charles Bruzdzinski
BCoFD27/BCFD

[Mike Ward]

News article that has been updated throughout the day:

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS/80617003&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Joint press release from the county and state police:

http://sussexcountyde.gov/docs//pressreleases/2008/06/Joint.Release.EMS.fatality.06-17-08.pdf

Stephanie was a 2005 graduate from GWU's BSHS EMS Management program.

Mike

Assistant Professor Michael J. Ward
Associate Director
Emergency Health Services
Department of Emergency Medicine
The George Washington University
2131 K Street NW, Ste 510
Washington, DC 20052

(202) 973-1525
fax (202) 973-1519
http://home.gwu.edu/~mikeward/

[harney]

One of the hardest things to realize when a deer jumps into the path of any vehicle - it is much safer to maintain one's path on the road and strike the deer than it is to try and avoid it. That is easier said than done.

My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie's family as well as the injured members.

[Ghetto FF]

One of the hardest things to realize when a deer jumps into the path of any vehicle - it is much safer to maintain one's path on the road and strike the deer than it is to try and avoid it. That is easier said than done.

My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie's family as well as the injured members.


Such a said event. I think we all have the same reaction to swerve and avoid than to hit it whatever is in our path.

[slimelimemedic]

Joint News Release From Sussex County EMS and the Delaware State Police






Sussex County Paramedic, Patient Killed in Ambulance Crash


Delaware State Police continue investigation



GEORGETOWN, DE (June 17, 2008) – The Delaware State Police continues its investigation this afternoon of a single-vehicle crash early today involving an ambulance, which has claimed the life of a Sussex County paramedic and the patient she was attending.



The crash occurred at approximately 2:40 a.m. Tuesday along a wooded section of Del. Route 24, just east of the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach fire substation in eastern Sussex County. An ambulance from the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad was en route to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes with a patient, one Sussex County paramedic and two company emergency medical technicians on board.



According to preliminary results of the investigation, the driver of the ambulance observed a deer in the roadway. As the driver steered right to avoid a collision, the ambulance left the road and struck a row of trees. The force and angle of the crash ruptured the rear passenger side of the ambulance in the patient transport compartment, where Sussex County Paramedic Stephanie L. Callaway was tending to a patient.



Firefighters, police and other medics were on scene within minutes. The patient and one of the EMTs on board were both ejected. The patient was pronounced deceased. The ejected EMT and the driver were transported to Beebe Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Paramedic Callaway, meantime, was transported by ambulance to Beebe Medical Center with multiple traumatic injuries. She died from those injuries.



Paramedic Callaway’s passing is the first line-of-duty death for the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services department in its 18-year history.



“This is a devastating loss to our department, to the fire service and to the entire regional EMS community,” said Sussex County EMS Director Glenn H. Luedtke. “Stephanie was a dedicated and caring professional who was well known in the fire service, the EMS community, local hospitals and among the media. We are mourning the loss of not just our co-worker, but someone who was a friend to so many.”



Paramedic Callaway, 31, was a nearly 5-year veteran of Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, beginning her service in July 2003. Prior to coming to Sussex County, she worked for the Kent County paramedic program, beginning in 2001.



In addition to her paramedic shift duties, Paramedic Callaway also served as a field training officer, as well as a spokeswoman for the department. Additionally, she was president of the Sussex County Paramedic Association.



A native of the Georgetown area, she attended Delaware Technical & Community College, and earned her bachelor’s of science degree in emergency medical services management from George Washington University. She is survived by her husband and two children.



Colleagues gathered this morning to recall their fondest memories of Paramedic Callaway, who was remembered warmly as a “consummate professional” who was easy to talk to and who always had a positive outlook.



“Stephanie was the type of person, no matter the situation, who would smile and respond, ‘It’s all good,’ ” said paramedic and fellow EMS public information officer Joseph P. Hopple. “Even now, she would find a way to see the good in something as tragic as this.”



Grief counselors have been brought in to console co-workers, Director Luedtke said. Meantime, staff duty assignments are being adjusted to accommodate those employees who were close to Ms. Callaway. Offers of assistance have poured in from neighboring departments, including New Castle County, Kent County, Caroline County, Md., and Ocean City, Md., paramedics.



“Our family is gathering around us and that’s how we’ll get through this,” Director Luedtke said. “It will be tough, but somehow we will get through it.”



County Administrator David B. Baker has ordered all County flags to be lowered to half-staff until further notice. Mr. Baker said the entire County government is saddened by the loss of one of its own.



“People don’t realize the dangers that are involved in this profession sometimes,” Mr. Baker said. “What has happened here today certainly drives that home for all of us.”



Funeral arrangements for Paramedic Callaway are pending. Meantime, the State Police investigation continues.

###



Media calls should be directed to Delaware State Police spokesman Sgt. Josh Bushweller at (302) 531-6522, or Sussex County spokesman Chip Guy at (302) 854-5000.

[slimelimemedic]

Media release from Sussex County EMS regarding Funeral Information:




Viewing



12 noon to 3 p.m. @ Delmarva Christian Academy

21150 Airport Road

Georgetown, DE 19947



Procession



Begins at approximately 3:15 p.m.



(Agencies are requested to bring no more than one piece of apparatus and/or one ambulance)



The procession will move West on West Market street, proceeding to the LEFT around The Circle, and continuing on West Market

Turn left on School Street, and right at the dead end onto Old Laurel Road



“Last Call” will be rendered at the EMS Headquarters Building



Marching personnel will be loaded onto busses and the procession will move to

Delaware Technical and Community College

Owens Campus

Seashore Highway, Route 18/404

Georgetown, DE



Memorial Service



Approximately 4:00 p.m. at the Carter Partnership Center, DTCC



Reception



Following the service, there will be a reception at the

Georgetown Fire Company

100 South Bedford Street

Georgetown, Delaware

[Loo for life]

Had the pleasure of volunteering with Stephanie at Lewes FD as well as having been a patient while she was on duty! Stephanie was always extremely capable at her craft and showed great empathy for firemen and her patients.


Thanks for the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich Stephanie it will always be remembered!;)

God always takes the good ones early!

May you always be remembered fondly and lovingly!

[Hose Male End]

So sorry for your loss, God bless you all!