Stabbing victim in critical condition taken to hospital by Portland fire crew in police car
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- After a person was critically stabbed in Gresham early Sunday morning, a Portland Fire & Rescue crew had to take the injured person to the hospital by police car, due to an ambulance shortage in the area.
Just after midnight, the crew responded to reports of the stabbing in the Rockwood neighborhood. On arrival, they found the person with multiple stab wounds.
However, since there were no ambulances immediately available and PF&R deemed the injuries too critical to wait, the crew decided to have the injured person taken to the hospital in a Gresham police car already at the scene.
A PF&R firefighter/paramedic rode in the back seat of the police car with the victim to provide EMS treatment while on route to the hospital.
“Seconds matter on critical trauma incidents,” said PF&R PIO Rick Graves. “Whether we transport you in an ambulance or find another way to get you to the hospital if an ambulance is unavailable, we’re going to do it. I’m very proud of our members for adapting to the unique circumstances of this call and providing the patient with the best chance for survival given these circumstances.”
PF&R says the current condition of the victim is unknown at this time.