Fire officials say an intern riding in the back of an ambulance played a key role in helping two injured paramedics following a sudden crash.

The damage to the ambulance was so severe that the driver had to be extricated from the vehicle.

However, before rescuers arrived, an intern from Chemeketa Community College who was in the back of the ambulance when it crashed, helped stabilize the two injured paramedics and call in help.

"He really kept cool. He provided C-Spine to one of our paramedics who was injured and did an awesome job in helping pass information to 911 so they knew what type of equipment to send out," said Bill Holmstrom with the Salem Fire Department.

"It has been pretty traumatic for us," Holmstrom said. "We're going to focus on helping the families of our brothers who are hurt and making sure they get everything they need to have a fast recovery."

The Salem crash happened around 3:40 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Liberty and West Union Northeast.

Fire officials say the ambulance was responding to a call when it hit a tree and flipped. No other cars were involved, but both paramedics had to be pulled out of the wreckage. 

Both paramedics were taken to Salem Hospital; both are in serious condition. Fire officials say the two paramedics are too seriously injured to interview them.

The trainee from Chemeketa Community College was treated and released later Monday morning.

 
photo: KATU

photo: Salem Fire Department

photo: Salem Fire Department