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.
“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, a father of two young children, joined Polk County Fire Rescue in 2019 and, in recent years, became a paramedic.
“He enjoys working. He’s a charismatic individual,” said Chief Smith.
Parris was in the back of an ambulance, taking care of an 85-year-old patient.
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, 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.
“You look at the destruction, and there’s nothing left of the truck. There’s nothing left of this ambulance. I hope he doesn’t get a slap on the wrist,” said Dave Parris.
Both drivers (the truck and ambulance) are expected to be OK. The sheriff’s office has not provided an update on John Parris’ patient.
“I’m not looking for blood. I’m not looking for revenge. I’m looking for justice. This just shouldn’t be OK,” said Dave Parris.
Was the driver of that truck here in the U.S. illegally?
Starting to wonder that myself – they’re being suspiciously quiet about that part.
I am so sorry for what your family is going through right now its a horrible thing to have happened. People are just not paying attention to the road anymore they’re looking at the phone most of the time it’s frightening. Blessings on you and yours.