A routine emergency response in Bay Shore, New York, took a dangerous turn early Sunday morning when a car allegedly driven by an intoxicated woman struck an ambulance while paramedics were loading an injured man inside.
The collision left the patient with additional injuries and forced emergency crews to call for a second ambulance to transport him to the hospital.
Suffolk County police identified the driver as Edith Cairo, 32, who was arrested following the crash. Authorities said she was driving a 2017 Honda Accord at approximately 2:15 a.m. when the vehicle struck the ambulance on Main Street.
At the time, members of the Islip Fire Department were preparing to transport a 26-year-old man who was already receiving emergency medical assistance.
Police said the ambulance’s emergency lights were activated when the collision occurred.
Patient Thrown From Gurney After Impact
The injured man was on a gurney at the rear of the parked ambulance when the Honda allegedly crashed into it. The impact sent the gurney out of the ambulance, causing the patient to fall to the ground.
The man suffered additional injuries in the incident, although authorities said they were not life-threatening.
What began as an effort to get an injured person to medical care quickly became another emergency for the responders at the scene. Instead of continuing with the original transport, crews had to arrange for a second ambulance to take the patient to the hospital.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the collision.
The incident highlights the risks emergency personnel face even when they are already attending to a patient. Ambulances may have warning lights activated and responders working nearby, but passing drivers still need to remain alert and give emergency crews sufficient space.
Driver Arrested on DWI Charge
Police said Cairo appeared to be intoxicated when the crash occurred. Officers arrested her at the scene without incident and charged her with driving while intoxicated, commonly known as DWI in New York.
She was taken to Suffolk County’s Third Precinct, where she remained for the rest of the morning, according to police.
Authorities said she was scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on Sunday. An arraignment is an initial court proceeding during which a defendant is formally informed of the charges and the court addresses matters such as a plea and release conditions.
The charge is an allegation, and the case must proceed through the legal system before guilt can be determined.
Why Crashes Near Emergency Vehicles Are Especially Dangerous
An ambulance stopped on a roadway can create a hazardous situation when other traffic continues moving nearby. Emergency responders may be working around open doors, medical equipment and patients who cannot move out of the way quickly.
When a collision happens during patient loading, the consequences can extend beyond damage to the vehicle. A sudden impact can disrupt medical equipment, interfere with treatment and expose an already injured person to further harm.
Drivers should slow down, stay alert and follow applicable traffic laws when approaching emergency vehicles. In New York, motorists are also required to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which calls for drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles displaying qualifying lights to move over when possible or slow down as required.
For the patient in Bay Shore, the crash meant additional injuries and a second ambulance ride before reaching the hospital.
The investigation and court proceedings will determine the circumstances and legal responsibility surrounding the collision.
