"Joe,
As I am sure you've heard Kristin Underkoffler of Delmar, Maryland, was fatally injured in a car accident on the Vienna bridge. After the accident Dorchester County EMS transported her to Dorchester General Hospital for treatment.Now I'm just a little confused as to the way this was handled. The Trooper, also involved in the accident, was transported to PRMC. Why was Ms. Underkoffler transported an additional 5 miles to DGH instead of PRMC?Not only is DGH not a trauma center but PRMC was closer. If Ms. Underkoffler was in such critical condition where she would sooon die from her injuries in a very short time after the accident then she should have been transported to PRMC, a trauma center, she may have stood a better chance.Just a detail that should be addressed and the public should be made aware. Thanks."
Trauma Centers for the State of Maryland, you notice notice DGH is not a trauma center.
Primary Adult Resource Center
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland
Medical System, Baltimore
Level I Trauma Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital Adult Trauma Center, Baltimore
Level II Trauma Centers
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore
Prince George’s Hospital Center, Cheverly
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
Suburban Hospital, Bethesda
Level III Trauma Centers
Western Maryland Health System, Memorial CampusPeninsula Regional Medical Center, SalisburyWashington County Hospital, Hagerstown
ALSO...
According to Maryland EMS Protocols a patient who encounters multiple trauma (her vehicle was hit by a car then a tractor trailer) is required to be transported to the closest trauma center by ground if less than 30 minutes away. PRMC is 15 minutes away. DGH is NOT a trauma center and PRMC was closer. Every trauma protocol contradicts what happened.
You can read the trauma protocols by going here and looking at page 124 http://www.miemss.org/home/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=PcFzAVnOA4M%3d&tabid=106&mid=534
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family and all who were injured or involved. My daughter and her hubby were in the back up caused by this accident while on their way to John's Hopkins to visit their son. They were using my car. I am so thankful that I told them that they could not switch vehicles with me when they wanted to. I needed to run errands which took me about 45 minutes to an hour. Had I not delayed, they may have been involved in it also. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with all.
ReplyDeleteThere is a good chance that they were not able to reach PRMC due to the bridge being blocked. Quite often the patient is DOA but not officially called unitl arrival at the hosipital.
ReplyDeleteAm I missing something, or is PRMC not on that list either?? From what I've heard on this blog about PRMC, I'm not so sure she would have fared any better there.
ReplyDeleteThose were my thoughts as well, why DGH and not PRMC? But I've since heard that she was dead at the scene, that is why she was transported to DGH.
ReplyDeleteno insurance huh ?
ReplyDeleteThe bridge has multiple accidents at once. Even though it is divided, both lanes were blocked from the multiple accidents.
ReplyDeleteSince this bridge is located in Dorchester county, Vienna Vol Fire Dept was the first to be given the call by the 911 center. There normal procedure is to take patients to Dorchester.
I don't have enough knowledge as to why they couldn't go to PRMC other than the bridge was blocked. Helicopters were not flying because of the bad weather.
Also, Mardela responded to additional alarms as the result of the multiple accidents. They normally transport to PRMC and did so.
ReplyDeleteThere was never any decision as to why and who would go where. Vienna will have to explain why they transported to Dorchester, and I'm sure they will say because the bridge was bloked.
Additionaly, there was an accident on the Sharptown bridge as well.
I would like to warn everyone how dangerous our bridges and overpasses can be when the temperature goes below freezing and we get any percipitation. As the many victims found out last night, the bridges get very slippery and you can't always see this until it's too late.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to all who are left with this tragic loss, as well to all those who went to help.
This was a very major event and from the Mardela/Wicomico side, everything was handled very well.
That is exactly correct. When a person has succomb to their injuries at the scene of such a collision, they are often times transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. That is why you often read in the media about a person "critically" injured in a crash, but not flown by medivac. The press often takes things out of context.
ReplyDeleteIt was reported on WBOC that the victim died at the hospital, if that is the case she should have been transported to PRMC. The trooper was transported to PRMC so it was more than possible that she should have been.
ReplyDeleteThe only reasonable explanation to this situation is that she expired at the scene. If she was alive on the scene she should have been taken to PRMC without a doubt.
Maryland State EMS Protocol requires that a patient be transported to the closest hospital, PRMC is 5 miles closer according to Google Maps. PRMC is also a listed Level 3 trauma center, DGH is a Band-Aid station at most, another McCready you could say.
If she was indeed alive at the scene and she wasn't transported to a trauma center this is another investigation to be done by MIEMSS. The emergency medical staff on the ambulance, the commander of the accident, and the physician on the online medical consultation will be held accountable.
Vienna Fire Department, Dorchester County EMS, and Hurlock EMS were all on location.
Something that you see in Wicomico, in particular, in Willards, Pittsville, and Powellville you'll see 95% of EMS transports end at PRMC, when Willards and Powellville and a part of Pittsville EMS district is actually closer to PRMC. It's contraindicated according to Maryland Protocol.
Thus another reason for the county to control EMS in Wicomico.
I encourage everyone to read the Maryland Protocol at the link given
Also, we had a slight snow dusting, people slow down, act like you at least know how to drive. No need for these accidents. Seriously. Too many lives were lost because of a dusting of snow.
anonymous 10:11,
ReplyDeleteIt's my understanding that the Bridge froze over and that's what caused the accidents.
Mardela said...
ReplyDelete>>>Since this bridge is located in Dorchester county, Vienna Vol Fire Dept was the first to be given the call by the 911 center. There normal procedure is to take patients to Dorchester.
9:15 PM
Hey Mardela, a little lesson in local geography here..... the bridge is not "located" in Dorchester County. The Nanticoke River is the dividing line between Dorchester County and Wicomico County therefor making the bridge in BOTH Counties.
You are correct Joe, just as I stated earlier.
ReplyDeleteProtocol is all good and well underpristine conditions, but we all know that extenuating circumstances leave decisions left to those on the ground trying to save lives.
If we keep trying to hash this out in this blog, the facts are going to get mis-stated and this will just cause more harm to an already grieving family.
Let's not jump to any conclusions. Monday morning quarterbacking from your couch will never help anyone.
Instead, realize that their were at least 15 people involved and it was probably closer to twenty. Their were multiple accidents on that bridge. That bridge and the one by Sharptown froze over. The west end of the county had more than a dusting. At times there was frezzing rain, snow and everything in between falling with hard wind gusts. Horrible conditions.
Please pray for all those involved. A family and many many friends now have to mourn their loss. May God be with them all.
10:11; Something that you see in Wicomico, in particular, in Willards, Pittsville, and Powellville you'll see 95% of EMS transports end at PRMC, when Willards and Powellville and a part of Pittsville EMS district is actually closer to PRMC.
ReplyDeleteCorrection: Willards, Pittsville, and Powellville are closer to AGH.
In addition to this discussion; all bridges have signs warning of freezing conditions, accidents in such conditions call for charges including reckless driving, excessive speeding, and others. It's uncalled for! Slow down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prayers are with the family tonight. But this should have never happened. But I will not place blame on the obvious of guilty parties.
So a cop was speeding over a bridge that already had reported accidents due to ice?
ReplyDeletewhen was the last time you saw a MSP Trooper doing the speed limit? Ice or no ice. Serious Question.
ReplyDeleteOther than being stopped at a stop light or having someone pulled over, I don't recall. If they're moving, they're speeding.
I seriously doubt the cop was speeding. If he didn't arrive until 6:30, he took about 1/2 hour to get to the bridge. (How do I know this? Because I was on the bridge, about 10 cars back from the accident. Sat there from 6 until 8:40)
ReplyDeleteThe bridge was very slick - people who walked up to see if they could help were sliding all over the place. On the westbound side, one of the ambulances stopped before the bridge and walked the stretcher up to the scene. They kept slipping around too.
When they started clearing the scene, we had to wait for salt trucks to make their way up the bridge, then wait for the salt to start working, before they even thought about letting all the cars off the bridge.
At the time of the crashes, it was snowing so hard that visibility was extremely poor. The wind was blowing so hard that I was fighting my SUV to keep it in the lane.
And BTW, helicopters WERE flying. There was one that kept circling the bridge, it came around at least 3 times but didn't get low enough to be in danger from structures or that huge crane next to the bridge.
Anon 1045, I was wondering the same thing. What is the story about what caused the accident?
ReplyDelete8:09, the helicopter you are referring to is Chopper 16. That's the helicopter that was there.
ReplyDeleteThe officer was not speeding I heard it on the scanner he was coming from half way accross the county. He did have his lights and siren on but he was not speeding when he came onto the bridge. It would not have mattered if he was going 30 miles per hour, that bridge was slick, I fell when I got out to look around.
ReplyDeleteI honestly doubt that he was NOT speeding!
ReplyDeleteHe had to have been speeding, to rear end a car, and then push her car into a park tractor trailer and it killed her.
No doubt he was speeding.
Unless you have a degree in Accident investigation, dont make comments you have no clue over.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the Trooper, just before Thanksgiving and holidays is devistated by this but we want to blame things.
He was not drunk, he was doing his job. It was an accident let them find out what happened and pray for the family.
99% OF ALL ACCIDENTS ARE PREVENTABLE!
ReplyDeleteThis "accident" is with NO exception!
Did you hear about doctor who was performing heart surgury and slipped on the patients blood and killed his patient? NO YOU DIDN'T!
I know the trooper involved and he is a very dedicated officer. My prayers go out to him and his family as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many people hate police officers, but don't hesitate to call them and expect them to get there in seconds when homeboy is whipping their ass or robbing them.
ReplyDeleteI was sctually driving up to the bridge at 6:30 and found the traffic backed up. We decided to go arund and drive through sharptown and while the traffic was backed up, it was still crossing the bridge. The conditions of the Sharptown bridge were horrible. There was a visible thick layer of ice and cars were struggling to get across. My real point of the post is that the counties should have been more prepared for the situation. Everyone knew the temperature was going to drop. Given the weather durring the day, it seems reasonable that the bridges would have been prepared for icing. There is no excuse, they should have been salted before 4:00 even. While this is not the time to argue, the fact should be presented to those responsible. Local Government letting us down again.
ReplyDeleteIt COULD NEVER EVER EVER be the fault of a polce officer...Never ever would they speed. So...if you are ever involved in an accident with a cop car it will always be your fault or someone elses, NOT THE COPS, RIGHT JOE? What do they tell YOU? Slow down when the roads are slippery or when it is foggy. He might be the nicest guy in the world but he should have practiced what he preaches! The woman is dead! I bet he won't be charged with a damn thing. If that were you or I they would charge you with everything they could.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you missed my Post on the accident involving the Hebron Fire Department?
ReplyDeleteI don't know, (for the life of me) why you've chosen to target me personally in your comment. I haven't said a word on this either way.
Anon 1:19pm,
ReplyDeleteIt is not the fault of the local counties. These are state highways, ask Bubba Comagees.
If you weren't there, please keep the speculation to yourself. The antaganostic comments are from people who hate other people for one reason or another.
ReplyDeleteEveryone involved did the best kob they could. This was a horrile experience for all involved.
Our police and rescue personel worked hard to do the best they can. Most on the scene were volunters from the local communities who left the saftey and security of their homes to help those in need.
Two different counties participated in this event with two seperate 911 call centers.
We live in a society where people die every day. It's sad and sometimes shocking but stop trying to find blame for this tragic loss. No one is more sorry than the officer involved. Nobody is more sorry than the original cause of this accident. No one is more sorry than the people on hand who couldn't save the life of this woman. No one is more sorry than the dispatchers who have to sit there helpless to do anything but listen and alert the proper agencies. No one is more sorry than everyone who was involved at anyway with this tragedy.
God takes us when he wants. It's not up to us. We all will die and most likely it will not be on our terms. It will be tragic to someone. But lets all keep the peace and try to help those left to deal with verything.
My prayers go out once again to the family and friends of the deceased, the State Trooper who was just trying to do his job, and to all the families having to live with this through this holiday season. May God bless you all.
"It's amazing how many people hate police officers, but don't hesitate to call them and expect them to get there in seconds when homeboy is whipping their ass or robbing them.
ReplyDelete12:46 PM"
Actually I never call the cops for anything. If I see a drunk driver I don't call the cops, they won't respond. If I see a reckless driver I don't call the cops, they won't respond.
I called the cops 11 years ago to tell them my house was broken into, THREE hours later they (WCSD) responded. And they never found the person(s) who had done this. My house was broken into 3 years ago, did I call the cops, sure didn't.
Now about this story, every police car on the MSP force has a dashboard camara, anyone want to bet the at the moment of this accident its malfuntioned? Will the video be released to the public, according the Right to Know Act is has to be.
MSP is very guilty of speeding and roadway intimidation. They get behind you and expect you to get over. It's illegal and it should be addressed.
Mardela, although your post in meant well it is wrong...
ReplyDeleteWhen Fire Fighters, EMTs, Paramedics, and Police Officers are on duty there are given the task to SERVE and to PROTECT.
The fact of the matter is that if she died at the hospital the people in charge of the medical care at the scene and the EMTs on the ambulance are liable. PERIOD.
As far as the police officer, I know if my mother had died as the result of what I suspect is negligence on the behalf of the officer then I would OWN the Maryland State Police. Trust me.
i guess the only solution is to put that flat ....oooops , I mean lead foot on desk duty. And for any ones info, A on duty officer of the law is exempt of any illeagal goings on when it occurs during his on duty time. Its our great leagal system at its best.
ReplyDeletePolice Officers are held responsible while on duty in traffic law title 19.
ReplyDeleteThis makes the third person who has died THIS YEAR as a result of Maryland State Trooper speeding to an accident scene. THREE PEOPLE.
ReplyDeleteHere's what makes zero sense. Why are these troopers flying to the scene at speedes 80+ mph and when they get there, they stand around and watch the firefighters and emt's do their job.
Something needs to be done regarding the speeding and out of control driving that every one of us has witnessed at one time or another.
Of course no one will speak up because if they get your name, you'll be targeted by this gestapo unit for the rest of your life.
LISTEN TO YOURSELVES! DROP IT AND LET THE INVESTIGATION TAKE CARE OF IT. THIS IS NOT WHAT EITHER FAMILY NEEDS RIGHT NOW! ALL THIS DOES IS MAKE EMOTIONS RUN AMUCK WHEN THEY NEED TO BE CONCENTRATING ON THEIR LOVED ONES. GIVE THEM SOME BREATHING ROOM!
ReplyDeleteanon 4:32 the emt's and fire personnel on scene are not liable for her death, UNLESS the care they administered was not done in accordance with the emt protocols set forth by miemss. That comment makes me feel like you believe we can save everyone if we are competent enough. If we could save everyone our title would not be emt it would be god, because ultimately our fate is in his hands. I like to believe as emts we don't save lives; just simply prolong death long enough for god to change his mind. We as volunteers (yes I am a volunteer Firefighter/emt-b) are protected by the good samaritan act. Which long story short means that as long as we did not act in gross negligence we can not be held legally responsible for the death of someone we are treating. As far as you owning MSP, you can't own the state so stop with the barney bad a** routine.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with most that have posted regarding law enforcement officers and excessive speeds. Firefighters are guilty as well. I don't agree with shaving at most a minute or two off of the response time to push the limit and drive like a maniac. When responding to incidents what good does it do if unsafe driving causes you to wreck as well. Now you have two accidents and need twice the resources and those that you were going to help now have to wait that much longer.
I once got in an argument with a trooper on an accident scene because as the driver of the engine I was riding slowed at a red light to make sure the intersection was clear a state police car blew the light so fast it rocked our 40,000 lb rig. He had on his lights, no siren and never tapped the brakes. His excuse was he is trained to drive at high rates of speed and his car will do a whole less damage than a fire truck. Correct but my fire truck won’t reach speeds in excess of 65 mph, unlike his cruiser who I'd estimate at 90 mph or better when he blew the light. Well I distinctly remember learning in a class I took that a four door car (like the police drive) at a rate of 75 mph delivers a blow equivalent two a ten story fall, also creating approximately 90+ g's of force. Just so you know a healthy adult 18-50 will more than likely die at 75 g's and higher. The elderly and children can perish at considerably less. That being said, yes my fire truck can deliver that 75 g's at about 50-60 mph or less, however our apparatus is bigger and easier to see. Not to mention we have an elevated view compared to the cop car. Before I get jumped on, the advantages that a fire truck has DOES NOT make it ok to "blow intersections" or drive at an excessive speed. Will we exceed the speed limit, more than likely, but I hope that all drivers will not exceed a speed that is safe for the current traffic, road and weather conditions. As fire/ems personnel, the people who are waiting for us can slip from our grasp in seconds. So if you can SAFELY shave those precious seconds off of your response time have at it. The trooper then stated that if he were ever in charge of an accident where an individual was driving a fire truck 1 mph over the speed limit and killed someone he would personally see them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Pretty bold statement. I didn't go any further with the confrontation just silently took down his name and filed a complaint.
Ultimately it is an innocent person (9 out of 10 times) that pays the price for the negligent driving of a police officer or firefighter. However not one of us posting was there at the moment the accident occurred. So all this talk of the trooper's negligence is speculation. Right now there are two families devastated. The poor woman who lost her life and the trooper who was involved in the accident that caused her death. So lets give them both a little respect until the CRASH team can close their investigation stop with the blame game. Because believe me if it was excessive speed that ultimately took the deceased life, the trooper will be charged. There are cases on file just google it. But just so all you experts know if there was indeed black ice on the bridge the troopers patrol would be unable to slow and even at the posted 55 mph speed limit the cruiser would have been capable of delivering a lethal blow to another car, especially when pinning it between it and a tractor trailer. I've personally been on a fatal accident where the person who caused the accident was going 45 mph in a posted 50 mph zone (concluded by the msp crash team, not my opinion) killed a man. You have to understand in any accident there are a minimum of two impacts. First the initial accident (car vs. car) then your organs impacting your skeletal structure and that saying you don't hit anything (steering wheel, airbag, dashboard, etc.). The fatal accident I speak of, during one of those impacts it dissected the victim’s aorta and he died before the first ems personnel arrived. It doesn't always have to be excessive speed and gross negligence that takes someone’s life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased and I hope for the trooper’s sake he was on the right side of the law because the law still applies.
Joe, I must agree with the anonymous commenter regarding the MSP. I think alot of people would like to know why this agency is allowed to run amuck on our highways and biways speeding. Three people killed because of their actions isn't exactly the image of an agency sworn to servce and protect that I would envision as the leader of this outfit.
ReplyDeleteHere's a challenge to you Joe to put this question out to your readers.
"DO YOU THINK THAT THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE ABUSES THEIR RIGHT TO SPEED ON OUR HIGHWAYS?"
11:58 PM; First of all, this post was about the EMTs NOT following protocol, they are liable because they took her to the wrong hospital, if she was alive she should have been taken to PRMC, PERIOD!
ReplyDeleteAlso, EMTs on calls with Fire Departments who bill for ambulances calls and/or who are also paid EMTs are NOT covered under the good samaritan law!!! Don't let anyone lie to you. If you or your department recieves any sort of compensation for your EMS service you will NOT be covered.
Anon 10:11, you are correct paid emt's and medics have to purchase liability insurance to cover their behinds as they are not covered by the good samaritan act. But you are incorrect on any ambulance company that bills for their services, waives our protection. It was passed into law that volunteer stations having an ems program can bill a reasonable fee for their services. This includes supplies, fuel, insurance, etc., but they can not bill for the emt's time on board and they don't. If you know of a company who is billing for their volunteers time report them as they are breaking the law. Now even if the station I volunteer for was billing for my time, I have not been compensated personally and am still protected by the act. As for them breaking protocol it seems you need to learn it first. Paramedics can not call the time of death in the state of maryland. If someone succumbs to their injuries prior to our arrival and the medical examiner is not available they are to be transported to the closest hospital to be called deceased. That being said this unfortunate individual was without life upon the arrival of the medics and there fore did not have to be transported to a trauma center. Because beleive me that would not be a mistake to make. We are well aware that our only trauma center is prmc and I would bet they knew it as well.
ReplyDeleteLet us not forget there are multiple cars in the junk yard that say "Wicomico County Sheriff"
ReplyDeleteNuff said!
This issue was brought up because it was reported by the MSM, The Daily Slim and WBOC that the patient died in hospital.
ReplyDeleteNow that we have been educated the this person died at the scene it's a different story. The author asked a question and it recieved an answer.
And ALS providers do have a means of "calling" a patient when there is no ME. It's called online medical consultation, it's only a radio transmission away. 95% of trauma arrests don't ever come back and depending the injuries of this individual the physician on the consultation could have approved the patient being "called".
The woman had severe chest trauma and it was apparent that she was deceased. There was no need in taking her to a trauma center. Sometimes victims are pronounced dead at the hospital even though it is apparent that they are dead on the scene. The trooper was speeding and lost control. When he hit her, he jumped out of his cruiser and jumped on top of her car trying to help her, but it was too late.
ReplyDeleteSince when are you people doctors? It was obvious, eh? Scary stuff, peoplelike you determining if someone should go here or there.
ReplyDeleteThe point is that someone has lost a dear family member due to NEGLIGENT driving BY a police officer! He won't be charged because he is holy!
ReplyDeleteJoe...seems one of your readers challenged you to put up a post regarding the constant speeding of Law Enforcement Officers. You gonna tackle it?
ReplyDeleteNO!
ReplyDeleteThe person who challenged me was forwarded to Sheriff Lewis in which they had an in depth discussion and the differences were instantly resolved. This person now has a whole new respect for Law Enforcement because Sheriff Lewis reacted instantly because he cares.
You should ask Mitey Mike to respond here Joe. I think a lot of your readership would like to know what gives these LEO's the right to drive 10-15 MPH above the speed limit. I have the utmost respect for these guys but I do not believe they should be speeding up and down the highways. Also, I don't see any point in them speeding to an accident scene. I can understand if there is a robbery in progress or someones life is in a situation that requires a LEO to mitigate. Their speed to an accident scene is not necessary. At least that's the way I see it.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Mike could enlighten us?
Thanks Joe for providing this forum. Keep up the good work.
Be careful what you ask for.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to the other gentleman that ASSUMED an Officer was racing to nowhere, they quickly learned there was a perfectly legitimate reason for the Officer heading North on Rt. 13, even out of State.
Look, I'm NOT saying that Officers don't abuse their driving privilages because I'm sure at times they do.
What I am saying is, IF you have a problem with a Sheriff's Deputy, CALL MIKE LEWIS! Don't attempt to post a comment here thinking it's OK and then come to find out you were wrong.
You cannot fix something you're not aware of. That goes for Lewis, Webster, the State Police and so on. It is YOUR responsibility to get on the phone, call in the tag numberand let each department investigate the Officer involved.
I am NOT making excuses for ewis, Webster or any other Law Enfrcement Leader.
Take it upon yourself to report it and it will end. You cannot e-mail me and expect me to fix such a problem. Think about it. Hey Mike, I just got a call one of your Officers was racing down the road with no lights on. Where was that Joe? I don't know, they didn't say. Who didn't say, Joe? Uh, wel, I didn't get that either Mike. And you expect me to believe you Joe?
See what I mean. If YOU have a problem, pick up the phone and make things right.
This comment is in reference to ANON at 10:11pm. It's easy for anyone to Monday morning quarterback. Given the limited information she should have been transported to PRMC, I agree. The last part of your comment is out of line. The same physicians staff McCready staff PRMC and AGH. The nursing staff are every bit as qualified as those of PRMC. Some even work there as well. So easy with the bandaid station stuff. I'd put the McCready Staff up against PRMC anyday.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so incredible relived that so many of the posters are lawyers and doctors! (Rolling eyes) If some of you would invest as much time in educating yourselves as you do in posting B.S. statements this area could very well be a better place. I was at the scene of this accident, by choice. I heard the officer come past my home and a short time later heard the impact from the accident, within 3 minutes the fire department was heading out to the scene, or I should say, attempting to get to the scene. The ice was extremely bad on the ramp to/from 50 as well as the overpass and the bridge. The traffic that was stopped in both direction made it nearly impossible for the emergency equipment to access the scene(s) and as a result the ambulance that was "fortunate" enough to reach the scene was facing westbound which is why ms underkoffler was transported to DCG. The ambulance had to use extreme caution when traveling off of the bridge because the conditions were obviously hazerdous. The ambulance that transported TFC Zimmerman was on the other side of the bridge and as a result transported him to PRMC.
ReplyDeleteBecause of the location of the accident, the additional collisions in the area and the weather this was a very difficult scene to be on. Many emergency workers appeared to be at a skating ring and even after the scene had been cleaned up traffic was still on hold until salt trucks, that has been on stand by on the Dorchester side of the bridge, were able to make several passes on the bridge.
On to the next topic, TFC Zimmerman is not some rookie kid who only wants to be cool in uniform, he is a grown man with a family and truly cares about people. He would not put anyones life at risk to be the hero or whatever other claim people want to make about him. He is a stickler for safety and does not sway from that from what I know of him. He is actually one of the few troopers that do not take advantage of driving a marked car, he may do a slight amount above the posted limit but he is not like many who fly around like nuts.
It is a tragedy that could have been avoided all together if the SHA would have treated the roadways prior to the accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at a normal speed and hits a patch of ice there can be deadly consequences. Speed does not always have to be an issue. Ice is the absolute worse road condition there is.
It is understandable that people are upset and want to place blame on someone, but persecuting this trooper is not going to make anything better, no one is going to come back to life and nothing will change because of it. If anything at this moment both Kristin's family and Zimmerman's family should be getting support and shown some type of compassion. Pointing fingers and making harsh statements will not make anything better. Help the families if you truly want to make a difference rather than causing more pain and turmoil for all involved.