The union representing Winnipeg’s paramedics is calling on drivers to be careful when maneuvering around emergency vehicles after a paramedic was hit by a car on Monday.
During a minor traffic accident at about 5:45 p.m. on Corydon Avenue near Stafford Street, a pickup truck collided with one of the vehicles at the scene, forcing it to lurch forward and strike a working paramedic. Winnipeg police later confirmed the driver of the car was impaired.
“There are so many factors involved in emergency personnel simply getting to scenes in a timely manner, including traffic volume, weather, location, and other factors, that make our jobs extremely difficult and extremely dangerous,” said Chris Broughton, president of Paramedics of Winnipeg, MGEU Local 911. “But when our people are already on-scene, this kind of thing can and should be avoidable if people use caution and common sense.”
The MGEU says near misses are quite common for emergency responders when working at a scene.
“We’re obviously pleased that one of our brothers out on the road didn’t sustain more serious injuries and it looks like he’s going to be alright, but it does give you pause to think about what could have happened,” Broughton added.
A 64-year-old man has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm and driving over .08.
The paramedic was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
