Medic Down: A Wake Up Call from Bensalem, PA
Image - Zak Adams
It’s easy to think that working in EMS is not a dangerous job. Not as dangerous at least, as firefighters and police. Most of the time, we don’t run into burning buildings or routinely have guns pointed at us. We treat the sick and injured. What’s so dangerous about the stomach flu or a few bumps and bruises after a fall down the stairs?
There may be nothing deadly about the flu or a few scrapes, but what about sitting in the back seat of a crumpled soup can that used to be a car, while the fire department is using hydrolic tools nearly a foot from your head to cut the roof off just so you can extricate the patient? Or how about a simple “unknown problem” call? Could there be a loaded gun or a psych patient waiting just behind the door? Such was the case in Bensalem, PA yesterday.
Daniel McIntosh, a 39 year-old paramedic from Bucks County, PA was among the first on scene last night for a reported mental patient. For whatever reason, when the patient ran off, McIntosh chased him. McIntosh was found by his partner lying on the ground with a head injury. It is unclear yet as to how Paramedic McIntosh actually obtained the head injury. He was later pronounced dead at Aria Hospital. McIntosh was a 13 year veteran of Bensalem EMS and also a member of SWAT and was a tactical medic.
The suspect was apprehended by police and is currently detained, awaiting psychiatric evaluation to see if he is able to stand trial.
For those of us in EMS, whether volunteer or career, this incident should serve as a wake up call, a reminder that our profession can be dangerous. Too many times we as providers get complacent, not taking stock in our surroundings and the situation of the job we happen to be on.
Now, bear in mind I am not an expert on any of this. I don’t make a living lecturing on these topics, nor do I teach current or up and coming professionals in our field. I am merely making observations for the stand point of an active duty EMS provider. Yesterday, we in the field lost a brother in service. Hopefully, something can be learned from this tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Paramedic McIntosh’s family and friends.
