POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A first responder and his patient remained in critical condition Wednesday night following a crash between the ambulance and a pickup truck, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
John Parris, 32, has undergone multiple emergency surgeries, is still unconscious, and is suffering from numerous broken bones alongside a traumatic brain injury.
Polk County paramedic ‘improving every day’ after ambulance crash, officials say
“He’s slowly progressing. He’s not out of the woods, and every little step he’s making is a victory. It’s just… he shouldn’t be in there,” said Dave Parris, John’s father.
John Parris’ ambulance was operating appropriately, flashing lights and sirens, when it was hit at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Lucerne Park Road in Haines City around 8 p.m. Monday night, according to the sheriff’s office. The paramedic was attempting to provide care to an 85-year-old patient on their way to an area hospital…