NEWS

Hampton County ambulance involved in rollover crash near Estill

Hampton County emergency responders work to help their own during last week's crash.

An accident involving a Hampton County ambulance last week serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our emergency responders face each day in the line of duty.

The single-unit crash happened at 6:34 p.m. Saturday at 8500 Savannah Highway, Estill, just south of Lester's Barbecue, said Hampton County EMS spokesperson Susanne Peeples. 

A Hampton County EMS unit suffered heavy damage in a rollover wreck last week.

Hampton County paramedics were returning to a base in Estill after re-stocking their ambulance when the ambulance left the roadway and overturned, said Peeples. No patient was on board.

According to EMS reports, Jessica Stanley was the driver of the ambulance and Laura Meyer was her partner. The ambulance reportedly ran off the edge of the road near Lester’s, over corrected, and went across the road, causing the ambulance to flip.

"Emergency responders face many dangers and challenges daily in fulfilling their duties," said Hampton County EMS Director Chris Altman. "A vehicle accident is just one of these many dangers. The accident currently did not involve lights and sirens and no patient was being transported. Operating a top-heavy vehicle, even the most minor of incidences can result in roll overs. What is important is the safety of the first responders. In this case all emergency features for safety performed as manufacture designed to keep the crews from serious injury. Hampton County EMS is truly blessed that the injuries were not severe."

A Hampton County ambulance overturned in an accident on U.S. Highway 601 South on April 30.

Both emergency responders were treated on the scene with minor injuries, said Peeples. No one was transported to the hospital.

Hampton County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott responded to the scene to check on the county employees.

"I am just thankful that the crew was not hurt," said Dobson-Elliott. "It is a testimonial to the equipment and the safety training that with the damage sustained that they walked away with just bruises and scratches. I am not sure how they were able to get out of that cab. The equipment can be replaced but our people cannot. I would like to thank all the different agencies that sent personnel to assist; also individual employees that came even though they were off duty."

Another view of the EMS wreck.