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Police: Ambulance Driver Fell Asleep, Causing Crash

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Posted: 8:49 AM Jan 4, 2008
Last Updated: 8:09 PM Jan 4, 2008
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

42 comments

A | A | A

Braxton County (WV) Sheriff's Deputies say the driver of an ambulance fell asleep at the wheel, causing a crash on I-79 that sent three crew members to the hospital.

It happened at about 8:30am on Interstate 79 near the 51 mile marker.

The ambulance was with the Portsmouth Ambulance Service out of Flatwoods, Kentucky.

Sheriff's deputies tell WSAZ the driver, Virgil Cole, was getting ready to get off at the Frametown exit to switch drivers, when he fell asleep and hit the side of a bridge. No other cars were involved.

Cole's passengers and crew members were Jason Shimer and Rocky Messer, according to deputies, and none of their injuries are considered life threatening.

Walt Eldridge, general manager of Portsmouth Ambulance Service, tells us the crew dropped a patient off in Pittsburgh -- and was returning home. No patients were on board.

Eldridge says the company took the extra measure of adding a third crew member to help rotate drivers for the long drive from Ashland, Kentucky, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The crew left Ashland with the patient at about 11pm Thursday night, says Eldridge, and the trip was highly time sensitive with regard to the patient's condition.

Eldridge says that he's going to reiterate the company's policy to his staff that drivers should pull over any time they feel tired. He tells us that safety is always first priority.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Medic102 on Jan 22, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I hope all is going well with your recovery Rocky.Virgil and Jason, you guys are already on the road again, protecting these ungreatful people as usual.Without complaint on your behalf.I respect each of you.I have walked shoulder to shoulder with each of you into many hazardous situations.The general public hasn't a clue of what EMS does for them.All the public thinks of is Police and Firefighters.Truth is we all have a part in a rescue situation.But the final key is the person who saves your A!# on the way to the hospital.The people who initiat the proper treatment to save a life.But we are mostly forgotten.To below.Myself and Rocky are both members of management.We both go into the same situations as other crews daily, as we are part of the crew rotation. We get kicked, scratched and spit on by the same infected people that everyone else does.We do not ask someone to do something we are not willing to do ourselves.We are all equals.We are each links in a "SURVIVAL CHAIN."

Posted by: Megan on Jan 8, 2008 at 04:03 PM
All right people, I've read all the comments on this story ans agree with alot of it. We deserve better pay and shorter hours, but that's not going to happen, Why? Because we have to beg for every penny we get and that goes into better equipment and more training because every second things are changing and we need to keep up. As for the shorter hours, there aren't enough of us out there to make that possible. I was in a horrific ambulance accident 3 yrs ago when my driver fell asleep severly injuring my self and my patient and killing her mother who was in the front seat. I'm still recovering from my injuries and will never be back to what I was before. Accidents happen, mine did in the middle of the day and the driver hadn't worked the day before. I really glad the crew members of this ambulance are ok and I know what they are going through.

Posted by: Billing Bitches on Jan 8, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Just to respond to the comment left by the person that THOUGHT this was a run taken to get the money, CASH OR GOOD INSURANCE,I will tell u that this trip was taken by NOT knowing IF the INSURANCE would pay or NOT the billing dept was closed so therefore there was NO checking for payment, all there was was a manager making a decision to give someone a second chance at life. So before u jump to ur conclusions of reasoning find out the facts first u may find u r VERY much wrong. Private EMS cares more then what type of insurance u have, we all have family w/ no insurance and we all work for a living and U may b surprised to know there is a LOT of us that work w/ out insurance as well and hope that we would be given the same respect that this patient was given when the choice was made by management to take that patient and go out on that limb not knowing. Rocky I hope u get back to work soon I do miss u being a pain in my a..!!!LOL. Virgil and Jason I am glad u all are OK as well!!

Posted by: fellow medic on Jan 7, 2008 at 10:56 PM
If you've never worked 24hr shifts in EMS, don't act like you know all about it. As a paramedic working for a private service, I know that it's the best way to make a decent living in this field without having to work 7 days a week. 24 on, 48 off is the same hours as working 8hrs a day, 7 days a week (8 on, 16 off). Working a 24 allows many of us to have 2 whole days off before our next shift. Most of the time, you have to put time in working part time or dayshifts, hoping to make it into the overtime. As a general rule, if you're regularly working 24s, you have some seniority, and therefore get guaranteed hours that you can depend on. Sure there are some 24s that you get little or no sleep, but a lot of the time, you at least get a few little naps, and that goes a long way when you're only doing short transports. These late-night out of town transports are what makes it bad occasionally. Especially when it's not a life-or-death situation, or can safely be held off til morning.

Posted by: Donnie on Jan 6, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Hey Guys, Hope your doing well, didnt know anything about it until a little bit ago. This accident could have been any one of us that work in EMS. 24 hour shifts are dangerous especially a busy one, EMT's must say when enough is enough and pull over but we all know what happens when you buck the system. Rocky, Virgil and Jason hope you guys have a speedy recovery!! God Bless!!

Posted by: EMT in private service on Jan 6, 2008 at 06:20 PM
First thing I personally know those three in that accident and you couldn't ask for a more capable crew. You have three people that have over twenty years exp. in the field and I wouldn't ask for anybody else. . we don't so it for the chance to have our names in the news.It is the fact of helping people, or that is what I do it for. The person who stated the dot involvement, if it reaches the 14 hr mark and a minute or two and you family member has a heart attack then what?? You wouldn't say anything then nobody says nothing when something goes right or we do a good job you just look at something to complain about and personally I am tired of hearing it. when is the last time you all said hey thanks for being there when we needed you.. As far as money yeah that would be great but then we become as materialistic as everybody else. something to think about. Accidents happen they always will for helicopters Insurance need I say more. OFT trips will happen thats why we plan for them..

Posted by: Misty on Jan 6, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Rocky I am wishing u all the best along with Virgil and Jason. I know u all and hope for the best with u guys and your families. I work 24 hour shifts in dispatch along with my paramedic who also does 24 hour shifts and I see the toll it takes on some when there is continuous runs and no sleep. I worry daily sitting in that chair and all it takes is one to say they cant keep their eyes open. It is a dangerous job and they never know what they could be walking into on ANY call along with the long drives out of town. They should definitely be appreciated more for the work they do and some ppl should look in the mirror when they want to give thanks to these men and women and wish they had been a better person to many of them. Good Luck again to Rocky, Virgil, and Jason and your families. We are thinking of you. *HUGS*

Posted by: upset on Jan 6, 2008 at 02:40 PM
This was a terrible accident and I am glad that all three of the guys are okay. I can't believe all of the negative comments. These are the people we call on when we or our family is sick or has been injured. There is no question whether or not there was three crew members. (Chip) In fact there was three. You have some nerve asking what will their company do to them after this accident. The truth of the matter is all three of these guys were at the end of their 24 hour shift. So go figure I am sure they were very exhausted! I know each one of these guys personally, and they always go above and beyond what is expected of them as an EMS provider. I am certain that all of the negative comments are coming from individuals who would never take the step to save someone's life other than their own. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN!!! We need to be giving all EMS, Police, And Firemen a pat on the back. After all they are the ones we all call on.

Posted by: Old Medic on Jan 6, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Unfortunately, this is what happens when you allow money to enter into the life and death equation. I agree with the DOT standards, however, there were enough drivers in that vehicle that the DOT standards should not have even come into play--as none of them had driven for the maximum of 12-14 hours. People should insist upon using services, usually governmental entities, to transport their loved ones on long-distance trips. At least this way, there are quality controls in place because governmental entities are managed by an impartial board rather than one entrepreneur. Let's face it: private ambulance services are in it for the money. They cream skim most, if not every, call. Just making a guess, this patient was either paying cash or had very good insurance. We wouldn't even be talking about this if the patient would have only had Medicaid.

Posted by: My point of view. on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:25 PM
If they paid more on the hour this would solve many problems. Right now a paramedic is required to have schooling, licensures, certificates and continuing education. Working in private EMS..which by the way is the only option for a paramedic in Portsmouth...gets them an hourly wage that is less than a grill cook at the Waffle House. They don't get any compensation for working off shifts, weekends, or holidays. The benefits in private EMS suck. These guys will have to be off work, most likely without any pay until they recover. Welcome to the world of PRIVATE EMS. The major problem I see here in Portsmouth is that the private EMS companies are the first responders through the city's 911 system. This should be the responsibility of the local government to provide this public service to their taxpaying citizens. The EMT's would have better pay and beter benefits working for the City. Instead it is an opportunity for private company owners pockets to get fat.

Posted by: Nurse on Jan 6, 2008 at 10:45 AM
J, aeromedical transport is a wonderful thing, but someone has to pay for it. Contrary to popular belief it is not your physician who decides your medical care, it is the insurance company, via financial proxy. Aeromedical transport is not cheap. It has to be approved by insurance. If not approved then the patient is stuck with the bill. It is insane, the red tape, you have to deal with. Most people in this area could not come up with $10,000 easily. The magic flying vehicle, just like the ambulance, requires funds to make the magic. It just requires significantly more.

Posted by: coalgrove on Jan 6, 2008 at 10:37 AM
WHEN, I NEED EMS I ALWAYS GET A BILL FOR $350 AND THAT IS AFTER MY INS. PAYS THERE SHARE. HOPE THESE GUYS DONT EVER HAVE TO PICK ME UP.

Posted by: Puzzled on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:26 AM
If EMTS were paid a decent wage, they wouldnt have to 'volunteer' for long hours and could 'afford' to get the sleep they need. How sad is it that you can make more money in telemarketing or fast food than in a life saving profession? Not to mention those working in nursing homes that care for our elderly. Check out the patient to aide ratio in that one. Priorities are not on the top ten list when it comes to health care. I commend those in the profession. They deserve it. They ARE the ones we call on first.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Private ambulance companies run their EMTs and medics into the ground. You work long hours, and never know when you will be home. You get sleep when you can. While I worked for a private ambulance company in Huntington, we were often told, work or lose your job.

Posted by: Long time EMT on Jan 6, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I would like to start by saying that I hope the three crew members are doing well and I am so thankful they were not seriously injured. I know all three of them and they are really great in this field.Ems and firefighters are the lowest paid jobs with the largest priorities! Long hours and short pay are the norm. I work 24 on, 48 off, and sometimes get mandated to stay up to 8 hours longer. If we do not pick up overtime, we cannot pay our bills or afford to eat. Try raising YOUR family on our salary! The best solution is a raise! Next time you see an EMT or Paramedic or Firefighter, stop and shake their hand. Appreciate the ones who are out there 24/7 and give their all to save a life and ensure that their patients get the care they need! And by the way, yes, helicopters are faster, but the patient doesn't always meet the criteria to be transported on one!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: JLW on Jan 6, 2008 at 06:07 AM
My love and respect go out to all emergency medical workers. I have a personal ritual I practice when I see an ambulance traveling with lights and sirens on; I blow it a kiss to send love and hope to all on board. If I were ever to be inside one, I would hope someone would wish me well, even if the thought is just for a moment. After reading this story and the comments below, I will send wishes of goodhealth and goodwill out to every ambulance I see. I am greatful for the work you do. Hope you feel better soon Virgil, Jason, and Rocky.

Posted by: Christy on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I would like to say I am glad that they are healing and doing good. Now I have something to say "GIVE PUBLIC SERVENTS A RAISE!!!!" Many times we have had to call the EMS services to get my daddy to a hospital quick. I thank them for their quick reaction time. About 2 weeks ago, my daddy was in the VA hospital and we get a phone call that daddy is being emergency transported to saint mary's for emergency surgery. Who was there, a private EMS service. IF it was not for the EMS services out there, many people who needed to get to the gospitals and dr.s could not. So I would like to say THANK YOU!!!!! You all do an awesome job for the public.

Posted by: ER Nurse on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:03 PM
EMT's and Ambulance drivers work 24 hours on duty. This is ridiculous. These people are expected to save lives, and risk their own lives. They are underpaid, and under appreciated. It is sad that this happened. I am glad these guys are ok. Just as nurse-to-patient ratios should be regulated so should the hours an EMT can legally work. They also need a pay raise.

Posted by: Beth on Jan 5, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I am so glad they are all going to be ok, I also say give these guys a raise and quit working them so hard.

Posted by: J on Jan 5, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Ambulance? Wake up, it's the 21st century. We have magic flying vehicles called helicopters that would make the trip faster.

Posted by: emt wife on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Jason, Rocky, VIrgil, I hope you guys are all feeling better after this horrible accident that now has all these people all upset. If it weren't for you guys working 24 hour shifts plus ot when you can get it you couldn't support your families. I complteley disagree with some of the negative comments being made and the comment by Joy that states should have stayed in a hotel is probably just your old bitter boss. Personally I am grateful that there are people in this world who actually get paid less on the hour as a basic than someone who works at wal-mart or mcdonalds and doesn't mind long hours and no time for families. I get so angry when they call me to give to a firemans or police fund for their families in case they are hurt in the line of duty now one of our family is hurt and it seems no fund is available for him. What happened to respect for emt and paramedics? After aren't they who we call for help when we are sick or hurt? Personally I am PROUD to be the wife of a paramedic!

Posted by: sister of a medic on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:09 PM
you say hire more, they do but end of leaving. my brother works for a private service and they had hired more medics but they left. to either work at the hospitals or they go to places like charleston, columbus,cincy, lexington and become fire/medics. Which is not very much more pay there either. Seems we dont pay our public servants (police, fire, ems) what they are worth. Remember there are Fireman that VOLUNTEER their time to safe your property and life.

Posted by: by stander on Jan 5, 2008 at 04:23 PM
What i like, is those of you that are putting down the 24-hour shifts but are also the first to volunteer for them. It is unfortunate that this happend, but this wasn't a one man operation and the low wages isn't exactly the problem. It cost more to have these people on overtime. It would be cheaper to hire more people and cut out most of the over time, but the availablity of EMT's is the problem. EMT's are currently in demand. It is a great idea for the crews to get a room, but most of the time the crew wants to get back to their family and loved ones.

Posted by: wbs on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:12 PM
ems and police should abide by same dot regs the big trucks do,14 hrs on 10 off

Posted by: chip on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:06 PM
If there were 3 crew members on board the ambulance that crashed then why didn't the other 2 not pay enough attention to the driver to prevent this? What will their company do to the crew for this accident?

Posted by: Victor on Jan 5, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I have read through many comments and the sad fact is, all services are short handed. The pool for EMTs/Paramedics is dry.

Posted by: Mindi on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:31 PM
It takes a special person to be an EMT, Ambulance Driver, ER Nurse, etc. I couldn't do it and thank those who have the gift to do so. My thoughts are with ALL emergency workers. You are the thin line between life and death in alot of people's lives. Thank you so much! Blessings to you.

Posted by: A on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Welcome to the world of Private EMS, all the owners care about is making the money from the transport, you have an owner/manager making way too much for the little work they do, it is the people on the street that needs to get the more money, don't see the managers out there taking the chance of getting MRSA, AIDS... ect, 24 hour shifts are too long, and most company's that have just dayshift crews like to work the 24 hour crew just the same durning the day, when they should have som rest time, in this case a new driver should have been called in and sent with them, or the extra crew memeber slept on the way there so he could have drove back but we can sit here and say they should have done it this way or that way, when we need to be talking about how to make it not happen again, studies show that after about 18 to 19 hours the body reacts like someone that has been drinking, so unless your Jan Care you don't want people driving that there bodies and mind react like a DUI Driver

Posted by: cliff on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:54 AM
please hire more people and raise their pay...my mother is an EMT and she works tireless hours...this is ridiculous!

Posted by: D on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:22 AM
24 hour shifts??? Hire more and increase their pay. They are entirely not paid enough. Our community depends on these people when there is an emergency.

Posted by: nurse on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Time to hire more people, or quit letting them work 24 hours.

Posted by: Cementsailor on Jan 5, 2008 at 08:42 AM
The most dangerous mile is the next mile ahead of you. Your body has a limit and your mind will go to sleep whether you want it to or not. More training on micro sleep and sleep deprivations is what I would advise the owners to seek. Pulling over is correct because your mind will go to sleep while you are driving. I am a trucker with over 3 million safe miles behind me. My good friend works at Portsmouth Ambulance. Laws prevent me from driving past 11 hours or being on duty past 14 hours. Certain rest breaks are required by law. Training that I received has keep me safe so far. Your body has a log book and all drivers must listen to it. Nothing can replace sleep, but sleep. Keep up the good work guys and be careful out there. We are glad you guys are ok.

Posted by: EMT Basic on Jan 5, 2008 at 08:19 AM
My own opinion of this is that sometimes the hospital is to blame as well. They state that this patient MUST GO NOW!!! Can't wait!!! It might not apply here but perhaps the staff at the hospital was at the end of their 11:00 shift and they wanted to move this patient out. There has been many times when I have worked a 24 hour shift..(7:00am - 7:00 am) or (8:00 am - 8:00 am)The call comes in at 6:45 or 7:45..15 mintues before shift change and the patient must go now!!! The hospital doesn't want to wait 15 minutes for a fresh crew.

Posted by: EMT-B on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Being a EMT-B I no whats its like being n this field. I have worked n this field many years not only as a EMT but as a dispatcher. My heart goes out to u guys on this squad. There has been many mornings were I didnt think we were going to make it home safe. I have to totally agree with the nurse that we are so under paid that we have to work 72 to 84hour or more a week to just to make ends meet. We make close to what u would make at walmart if that tells u anything.. I luv my job an that why I do it! But a lil respect here and there would make a difference.. To u guys I wish u the best and full recovery and please to all EMS please b safe out there. My thoughts and Prays r with all EMS personal out there..EMT-B...

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2008 at 04:00 AM
The STATE of WEST VIRGINIA needs to do something to help get better Ambulance Service. More and Better Ambulance Vehicles are needed and they should be serviced and kept in TOP SHAPE at all times! The EQUPMENT that they Transport Patients on need Renewed more often! They should Always have STRONG NEW BLANKETS and NEW PILLOWS for Supporting each Patient for Protection! PAY the Medics More Money! HIRE more Medics and TRAIN them to be the BEST!!They transport so many people or patients from all over, and These People Are Our Families, who we want the BEST For! Make a Better and SAFER Plan for the CARE of Patients,Who Are our Family Members being TRANSPORTED! The Ambulance Service has been on the Bottem of the List of getting the Help they need and making the Service Better for TO LONG! It's time to put it on the Top of the LIST and try to get More Fund Money some how to Suport this Service that is needed 24 Hours a Day! PEOPLE SPEAK OUT and Push for this,it is Important to EVERYONE!

Posted by: Joy on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:42 AM
The comment about a room for a rest would have been a good choice. I admire emt's for their hard work and caring feelings that most of them have for the people they care for daily. They are way under paid and left without benefits that matter. I personally know each one of them and thank God they are OK. If ever I needed any medical help I would be honored to see any one of them. Just remember no matter what--always put safety first. Even if you have to fight for it. It takes special people to work in the medical field and these people deserve alot more respect than they get. So lets all try to tell them when they do a good job with a thank you and a smile. I"m sure that would make them feel better.

Posted by: lady on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:11 AM
Perhaps its time for the EMS workers to stop voluteering for overtime and the head honchos start hiring instead of taking advantage of the low wage paid to get the employees to accept the overtime to make a living. I would think saving a life to let live would overpower low wages or overtime for the safety of the patient. But that is me.

Posted by: basic on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:08 PM
no one understands what we go through....we work shifts that no eles works...the said thang is that i have work with all of the guys that were involved cole is a good basic jason and rocky are good medics...these guys work long shifts...and agreeing with the nurse we do not get the respect that we should....yes we may sleep during our shifts but there are nights that we don't.... i hope that the guys are alright.

Posted by: Agreeing with Medic on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I agree with Medic, that is exactly what I was about to write. This is so sad and the moment I saw the headline before I clicked on it. I had a feeling this is what caused the accident. I know an EMS worker and they struggle with the 24 hr shifts. Let this be a wake up call. I have always thought in the back of mind, when I have had conversation about 24 hr shifts, that this is very dangerous.

Posted by: Medic on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:23 PM
The sad part the this entire situation is that each of these crew members were probably on the end part of a 24 hour shift. Having worked these shifts, there is little to no time to sleep during the day and to be up the entire night is exhausting. Sadly, EMS personell live on their overtime. Without the 24 hour shifts they would not make enough money to support their families. Most out of town trips could be delayed to allow a new crew to be called in for the trip. However, this practice is rarely used. Some crews will work 48 hours or more in a row before they end their shifts.

Posted by: Brenda on Jan 4, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I agree with what was said by "Nurse." The report sounded as if it was urgent that the patient get to PA as soon as possible. I understand that but considering the distance and time involved the ambulance company should have used the money for the third crew member on a hotel room so the drivers could sleep a few hours before heading back home. That would make sense to me.

Posted by: Nurse on Jan 4, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Ambulance crews working 24hrs for a county EMS and then working for a private transport company has never been a safe practice. Unfortunately it is often the only way a medic or EMT can make a living. The pay for our EMS providers is not near what it should be. I have often gone on transports with crews who display signs of fatigue. Maybe if we valued these people more and paid them a living wage, they would not have to work multiple jobs. I find it funny that counties can waste money on non essential items, but when it comes to the man or woman who may save your life when your heart stops or you stop breathing, we don't value them enough to pay them a decent wage. Who do you call when you have chest pains, or your child has a serious injury?

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