A paramedic from the Detroit Fire Department has been placed on leave following an incident where he crashed an ambulance while under the influence of alcohol, NY Post reported.
The unnamed paramedic side-swiped three cars while transporting a patient through Hamtramck, a city located just north of downtown Detroit, in the early hours of Friday morning. Following the crash, he remained at the scene until the police arrived. The paramedic, who has been employed by the department for six years, was later tested in accordance with department procedures and found to be intoxicated.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for the use of alcohol while on duty and will take the appropriate action,”
Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Chuck Simms said in a statement.
“We have an outstanding team of EMTs and paramedics at DFD and it’s unfortunately that this incident detracts from the lifesaving work they do every day.”
Simms added,
“We have programs and supportive services in place for our employees who may be struggling with issues such as alcohol dependency and we will redouble our efforts to make sure any employee who may need them are aware of how to access them.”
The individual being transported in the ambulance did not sustain any injuries.
According to the department, the paramedic has a clean record with no prior accidents or incidents involving alcohol.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
