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Cost to repair damaged Boyle ambulance about $85,000

August 15, 2008|JESSE OSBOURNE

Boyle County EMS came before Boyle County Fiscal Court on Tuesday. On Aug. 4, an ambulance was involved in a wreck that caused significant damage to the vehicle. The cost to repair the ambulance will be about $85,000.

Boyle County Treasurer Mary Lynn said the repairs would have to be paid out of the EMS fund, but it would be reimbursed soon after. The EMS insurance on the ambulance has a $10,000 deductible.

Deputy Director of EMS Operations Malcolm Miller said James Lane was driving when the accident occurred. Apparently, while on Ky. 34 near the Wandering Hills subdivision, en route to bringing a critically-injured patient to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Lane tried to pass a semi-truck. The driver of the truck slowed down then stopped quickly while Lane was trying to pass. The quick stop resulted in a collision that badly damaged the ambulance box portion of the truck. Miller said the cab also had some damage. He also said if the truck had continued slowly, the pass could have been made with no incident.

Miller added that the patient was not injured. The EMS workers were checked out at the hospital, per standard procedure, and released with no injuries.

Miller said Lane has been with EMS for approximately a year. Lane also has served as a firefighter and been well trained in driving, Miller said, adding Lane has made many runs with both EMS and the fire department. He emphasized many times to the court that Lane was well trained and just made a mistake.

First major EMS accident in 14 years

EMS Director Brad Ellis told the court it was the first major accident EMS has had in at least 14 years.

Some magistrates were upset with what they perceived as carelessness by the ambulance driver.

Magistrate Phil Sammons said it really bothers him that drivers trying to save one life are endangering those of others.

Sammons said he is often scared by how ambulances pass cars and also wondered if it is necessary that ambulances blare their sirens late in night, waking up entire neighborhoods.

Ellis said ambulance lights can't be run without the sirens as well.

Magistrate John Davis asked that EMS provide training for using turn signals. He said he had witnessed ambulances not using turn signals during runs or otherwise on many occasions.

In the end, the court made a motion to repair the ambulance.

The ambulance will be sent to Georgia. Repair time is 120 days.

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