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Ohio firefighter/paramedic stabbed during court-ordered patient transport

A Springfield firefighter/paramedic suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed by a patient during a mental health transport

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A Springfield firefighter/paramedic is home with family after being stabbed while on duty.

The firefighter/paramedic was part of a crew transporting a person to Springfield Regional Medical Center on July 8 for a court-ordered mental health evaluation when the stabbing occurred, WLWT reported.

| EMS1.com: EMS cannot continue to be treated as a transportation service

Officials said the patient stabbed the paramedic in the back during the transport, causing non-life-threatening injuries. Springfield police responded and took the patient into custody.

The paramedic was taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been released. They are now recovering at home, WHIO reported.

“This incident is a reminder that first responders face unpredictable and dangerous situations every day, even on calls initially believed to be low risk,” Fire Chief Jacob King told WLWT. “We are grateful our member’s injuries were not more severe and appreciate the rapid response and support provided by the Springfield Police Division and our healthcare partners.”

Has your department changed its approach to safety, patient restraints or law enforcement assistance during behavioral health transports?



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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.