Posted by SteveWynn on June 18, 2008 at 2:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A county administrator has no business pulling anyone over. That's why we have cops. Sounds like somebody is a little power hungry.

Posted by Creeker01 on June 18, 2008 at 4:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

>The car does not have emergency lights on it, but it does have headlights that blink. Ward said he uses the lights while responding to storm damage and other emergency county operations in which he is the incident commander. <

UMMMhmmm blinking headlights are illegal on any vehicle that is not an emergency vehicle.

Face it, they just forgot to take them out when they took the blue lights out of the car.

Does he think that blinking headlights allow him to get to storm damage scenes any quicker? If they do, he is violating State Law in one form or fashion.

Don't BS us.

Lets see... one law violation negates the other. I see more reason for the Ambulance to go a little fast thru traffic than a know-nothing Administrator out to cover his Liabilitied Keister by faking a badge.

He didn't have to walk up to the Ambulance and get the details if he didn't think he was stopping it with his lights flashing. I'm betting he put a hat on as he approached...

Me smells a lying Hypocrite...

Posted by ForPnC on June 18, 2008 at 4:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If someone came up behind me with just flashing headlights I sure wouldn't pull over. Isn't that what the legitimate police tell us? Those types of lights are NOT emergency vehicles. If the car isn't marked as a police vehicle then I'm not pulling over. Period. They can follow me to my destination while I'm on the phone with 911 verifying them.

Removed the lights from this vehicle. This creep has absolutely no business having them and he sure isn't important enough in anyone's life but his own to take up our time.

Posted by CMLMADDOG on June 18, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Ward has NO business "pulling people over!"

Call dispatch and tell them to send a cruiser!

This guy's a moron!

Posted by suec on June 18, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Reading comprehension 101, people!
"He said his intention wasn't to pull the vehicle over, but to get it to slow down."
"I was trying to get their attention so they would slow down."
"EMS Director Doug Warren said no one ever told the ambulance to pull over."
" He said he has never tried to pull anyone over. "

Posted by prosperous_hb on June 18, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So what would have happened if the EMS was in a accident, without the light's on? What if someone had stole the EMS? I think what Ward did was correct. He saved the county from a lawsuit.

Posted by MP on June 18, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the ambulance was speeding, how fast was the county administrator, who is not a law enforcement officer, going in order to catch up to it? I bet the administrator also had a government issued cell phone and could have just called 911 rather than play cop in a vehicle the taxpayers paid for and Own. Another Andre perhaps?

Posted by RTC on June 18, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see waterworks and highway dept. vehicles with flashing strobes in their headlights. They are designed to alert people that work is in progress, or that the vehicle is stopped on the side of the road at a jobsite.
Ambulances often don't use the siren on long trips unless the patient is critical. Especially with heart patients, the siren is not used as it may cause unnecessary anxiety.
They should have been using the lights though, especially if surpassing the speed limit. It would have been safer for the patient and would have alerted other drivers.
This administrator should have alerted a police officer to contact the ambulance and see exactly what the situation was. It was not his place to try to slow down an ambulance or anyone for that matter. He is not a police officer.

Posted by ed52 on June 18, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mr (I'am all that) brought down too earth .
For you EMS bashers, maybe they will drive 20 mph under the speed limit when you REALLY need them .

Posted by CaptPete on June 18, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jason Ward needs to step down. There is no excuse for this type of behavior. Ward does not have the authority to endanger county residents by driving too fast himself. Leave the traffic stops to the LEO.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wpc3iop-I don't know what your "ambulance driver" comment was implying.Do you think EMT's and Paramedics are simply ambulance drivers?If so I hope when you need EMS services they just send a taxi to your house.If this is your opinion,it's a very ignorant outdated one.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We usually agree ColdBeer-but not this time.I don't agree that he was violating the law for no reason.A heart patient in the back is good reason to pick up the pace.I do agree that they shouldve been running at least lights though.And this douchebag attempting to slow down an emergency vehicle?

Posted by bucky on June 18, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, a whole 4 miles over the speed limit while transporting a heart patient?!? (note sarcasm). What did this bonehead think the ambulance driver was going to do when he or she saw blinking lights on a crown victoria behind the ambulance? Of course this power hungry administrator was mistaken for a police officer, and the ambulance pulled over for him! Why didn't this doofus Ward simply call EMS on a nonemergency line with the ambulance's tags? Don't they keep records of which ambulance is responding to a call? Wouldn't that have made more sense than trying to stop an ambulance that may or may not have a patient aboard? Ward should be fired for this, but then Al Sharpton would come to town, which no one wants, so someone please take those blinking lights off of Ward's car, and remind him that he is not a law enforcement officer.

Posted by theronce on June 18, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No good deed goes unpunished. Anyway, I wonder what time of day, what part of 78, and what the traffic density was. I suspect that both drivers were trying to do the right thing but cut a few corners in doing so. Do right, and do it all the way right, all the time. Tough order for most.

Posted by charlestonpride on June 18, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They were both wrong. The driver should have had lights on. But, the big headed administrator must not have much to do if he has time to "police" the roads!

Posted by Hobcaw on June 18, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Ward is out of his authority, and should be cited for impersonating a police officer.

Even is Mr. Ward were a policeman, he had no idea whether the EMS driver was in a truly Emergency situation or simply transporting a patient with a heart condition. Poor judgement to boot!

EMS drivers do a great job, and I sure hope they speed to the hospital when my fails!

Thank you ALL EMS Drivers! I will always pull over and encourage you to take your patient to the hospital!

Posted by tiffhug on June 18, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, a whole 4 miles over the speed limit while transporting a heart patient?!? (note sarcasm). What did this bonehead think the ambulance driver was going to do when he or she saw blinking lights on a crown victoria behind the ambulance? Of course this power hungry administrator was mistaken for a police officer, and the ambulance pulled over for him! Why didn't this doofus Ward simply call EMS on a nonemergency line with the ambulance's tags? Don't they keep records of which ambulance is responding to a call? Wouldn't that have made more sense than trying to stop an ambulance that may or may not have a patient aboard? Ward should be fired for this, but then Al Sharpton would come to town, which no one wants, so someone please take those blinking lights off of Ward's car, and remind him that he is not a law enforcement officer.

Ah, it was 14 miles over the speed limit and he did try to verify that the EMS was in route, his call was dropped twice. Are we even reading the story before we comment?

Posted by prosperous_hb on June 18, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bucky....it was 14 miles over, not 4.

Posted by AHLeland on June 18, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand why everyone is angry with Ward. If I were the patient in the ambulance, I would want an apology from the driver for not using his lights and siren.

Posted by pck5 on June 18, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wasn't everyone just raising hell about that EMS driver going over the speed limit that killed the College of Charleston student a little while back? make up your minds! he should have had his sirens on; he was a danger to everyone on the road.

Posted by ln1959 on June 18, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like suec said: Retake Reading 101.
How can so many of you miss the statement that he tried twice to call and both calls were dropped.

If this ambulance had crash and this administrator was out there, you boneheads in here thats cutting him down would say, he was stupid and put others life in jeopardy.

tiffhug..I am with you..READ the STORY!!!!!

Posted by grannyofsix on June 18, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

speeding is not a good thing, we all know this but dont forget if your having a heart attack or a loved one is, sometimes a few miles over the speed limit might save a life
also they should have had the lights going to show there was an emergency. but then what do I know I am just one who was having a heart attack and had their life saved because am ambulance got to the hospital in time.

Posted by DoniaDutchess on June 18, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on, now. What did he think the ambulance driver would do when he saw flashing lights in his mirror? Does anyone know what the job description of a county administrator is? It's doubtful the description lists anything to do with speed control. I will say this much in his defense: we all have moments that call our intelligence into question from time to time. That's just a part of being human. Hopefully Mr. Ward will think carefully in the future before acting in such a manner again.

Posted by outrage on June 18, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thomas1776 - What are you doing with a radar unit in your car? 50 in a 25 zone, maybe you could tell his speed by the sound of the wind he created. Genius!

Police cars and other emergency vehicles have unit numbers on them, so call and complain if you believe they are violating any traffic laws.

A administrator knows about the numbers on the vehicles and could have called later to complain. Power trip? I do not know, but if something would have happened to that patient, this board would be going nuts.

Thomas1776 - If the ambulance driver was going 14 miles over the speed limit, how fast would an administrator have to go to catch the ambulance? and no fair using your RADAR GUN!

Posted by ed52 on June 18, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coldbeer , I was joking!
however ,the disrespect for emergency personel needs to be addressed. some people will not move over, they take down street names, wont put numbers on their houses, and on and on.

Posted by proudmomma on June 18, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like most comment posters need to re-read the article.

Posted by outrage on June 18, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, about the Two dropped calls, that can be verified. so, if this administrator is fibbing to cover his rear, people will know! Not us, but people will know! ;-)

Posted by hardatwork on June 18, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FACT – HEART PATIENT
FACT – NUMBER ONE KILLER IN AMERICA – HEART ATTACK

Jason Ward was wrong. If he had a complaint he should have taken it up with the EMS Director, not on the highway. A life could very well have been lost because of his actions. Thank God the patient did not die while pulled over by this idiot.

Posted by ChrisPia on June 18, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The EMS People were doing their jobs.They could have forgot to put on the lights in the commotion of having to treat a heart patient in distress..They also could have been going with the flow of light traffic and not needed the lights till they came to a traffic light..These EMT's work very hard,Long hours with minimum manpower and were trying to do their jobs as quick as possible....The Lights should have been on,I agree. Sometimes you forget in the excitement. It Happens.
Mr Ward should never have pulled over an ambulance or tried to slow it down. Get the number or follow it to the Hospital or to their destination to determine why they were speeding...
EMS Personell do an excellent job in this area. Keep up the great work!

Posted by Charles_Town on June 18, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the ambulance driver should have at least had his lights on. But Ward had absolutely no business playing cops. What if the ambulance was stolen, he is not equipped to deal with that situation. He should have just gotten the vehicle number and addressed the issue when he had better phone coverage.

Posted by 10216340 on June 18, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The EMS folks were clearly in the wrong. Let's not forget that we had an ambulance involved in an accident recently in downtown Charleston. That incident resulted in a fatality and I believe that the ambulance driver was at fault in that situation. The county administrator said he tried to call dispatch twice but the calls where dropped.....what else could he do but try to warn the driver to slow down.

Let me ask you this though.....what if the ambulance had gotten into an accident, regardless of whether or not it resulted in injury.....what would your response be to a story about a county official who saw the ambulance speeding WITHOUT lights just prior to the accident but did nothing (even though he knew it was wrong for them to drive that way)?

I bet I can figure that one out.....he would have been persecuted on this board.

Posted by simon_birch on June 18, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lister to all the bleeding hearts about what a good deed he did pulling over the ambulance ( aving us from a lawsuit or something more). If the person had died in that was being transported because of barney fife needing to make his citizens arrests, there would have been alot more that just libel suits filed. Just be glad your not a comcast forum user. You would never be able to say things like this. We would be considered as 'trolls' trying to incite an arugement, or flaming, also one of those ambigous terms it uses to cast out 'non-believers'. Beware the ides of march.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know this may seem petty but I have to address this.
prosperous_hb -"What if someone had stole the EMS?"
OK no one can steal "the EMS",they wouldve stolen the ambulance.EMS= Emergency Medical Services
Point 2-In our area unless under some dire out of the ordinary situation-There are no "ambulance drivers" they are EVOC certified EMT's or Paramedics.I agree lights shouldve been used.But some people think it's like "Rescue 911" where its blazing lights and sirens 24/7.The public,believe it or not calls in complaints for over use of lights and sirens too.I agree with free speech and scrutiny.I just hope that this doesnt get to a point where it hampers patient care.And I have to say if a patient told me they wanted an apology for lack of lights and sirens I would assume they were 8 yrs old.

Posted by Weeeee on June 18, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OMG Rescue 911! Go Shatner. Fly the Enterprise into Ward's (cruiser) Mr. I Wish I Could've Been a LEO but Chose a Job that really doesn't do anything and let's me get paid to do it! Yeahhhhh.

Posted by ChrisPia on June 18, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SECTION 56-5-760. Operation of authorized emergency vehicles. [SC ST SEC 56-5-760]

(A) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions of this section.

(B) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:

(1) park or stand, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter;

(2) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;

(3) exceed the maximum speed limit if he does not endanger life or property;

(4) disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

(C) The exemptions in this section granted to an authorized emergency vehicle apply only when the vehicle is making use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4970 and visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 56-5-4700 of this chapter, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not use an audible signal nor display a visual signal when the vehicle is being used to:

(1) obtain evidence of a speeding violation;

(2) respond to a suspected crime in progress when use of an audible or visual signal, or both, could reasonably result in the destruction of evidence or escape of a suspect; or

(3) surveil another vehicle or its occupants who are suspected of involvement in a crime.

(D) The provisions of this section do not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.

(E) The Criminal Justice Academy shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act so as to provide uniform guidelines and training programs for law enforcement agencies which use emergency vehicles. Law enforcement agencies authorized to use emergency vehicles shall use the regulations developed by the Criminal Justice Academy to provide written guidelines and to provide training programs for its officers and employees regarding the operation of emergency vehicles.

Posted by suec on June 18, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The ambulance driver should have known better than to stop. He shoould have kept driving to the ER and find out what the flashing lights were all about LATER.

Posted by jrobinson on June 18, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

Why is he smiling?

Posted by Weeeee on June 18, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Early, while I understand the EMS driver violated the law...that still doesn't make Ward a LEO. I would've laughed at some mo driving behind me with blinking lights and no blues , reds, et al colors. Ward should be fired for impersonating a police officer.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone know the exact role of a "county administrator"?And can you imagine if one of us tried to "slow down" an emergency vehicle by flashing our lights?I don't think a picture of our coca cola smile would be in the paper.I'd venture to say we'd be ticketed and made to be a villian.

Posted by Powsy on June 18, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone has their own opinion. The facts speak for themselves. Another ambulance had been in an accident earlier. Those vehicles are very expensive and they provide a valuable service for our county. I don't think it was unreasonable for Mr. Ward to want to enure that they follow safe practices,which they weren't. We would be the ones paying for it if they were in an accident. They should have had lights and sirens going if it was an emergency. And if it wasn't, they should have obeyed the speed limit. It is that simple. Ward's only flaw is that his intervention was untimely. But all ended well. This is a good lesson for all parties involved.

Posted by dorchestertoday on June 18, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jason Ward -- new sheriff of Dorchester County -- at least that's the way he is acting.

http://dorchestertoday.blogspot.com/

Posted by grannyofsix on June 18, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

now after all this i can see a lot more people dying in an ambulance because the driver has to do the speed limit most are right if he goes over the speed limit use his light and siren but then will it upsent the person having the heart attack
you see its a no win here. as i said no one should speed and if the do have to as with the ems and LEO then for gods sake do what the manual says. but what do I know i have been in the ambulance a few times and never knew what was going on anyway

Posted by charlestonbill on June 18, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What an idiot. He could have been the cause of the passanger's death. Was the ambulance driver at fault? Yes, but deal with it at the hospital! Mr. Ward could have set Dorchester County up for a lawsuite as well as him personally. Give him a bicycle and a hat with a red flashing light on top. This will keep him out of trouble I think!! I would also look at this on his performance review. Does not look like good judgement for a position like his?????

ps: If I ever need an ambulance, please drive me to the hospital as fast as you can!!!!

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

charlestonbill -well said.I would raise all mighty hell if someone jackass stopped an ambulance with my kid or other loved one in the back because they thought they were going too fast.And that visual of this ego maniac doofus on a bike with a hat and flashing red light?LMAO

Posted by goosecreek_guy on June 18, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Completely unacceptable on the part of the county administrator. I believe that more than an apology is necessary. Mr. Ward did not save the county from a lawsuit, but more likely increased the likelihood of a lawsuit. EMS personnel should have been using the emergency lights on the vehicle no doubt, however addressing the issue later would have been more appropriate. I believe Mr. Ward should be sanctioned. His "flashing headlights" should be removed ASAP!

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People should report suspected violators if they feel the need.The key is REPORT them!Not impersonate a LEO,while hampering patient care.I don't give a crap what anyone says-this guy was impersonating an officer-which is AGAINST the law!If you or I did it,you'd see a mug shot with the article-not our best smiling doofus face.He better be punished and wipe that smile from his face.This story IS NOT funny.He couldve killed someone.He is not EVOC trained.

Posted by bigredtruck on June 18, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First - has Ward ever tried to 'slow down' one of Nash's finest on 78 - probably could not catch them!
Second - he should be charged, by admission, for speeding 14 over AND for impersonating a police office.
Third - he should be fired at minimum for gross incompetence and stupidity - if this is the best Dorchester Co can do - glad I moved away!
Fourth - one of the folks above was correct - these fools above who are running down the driver for speeding - bet you lunch they would not mind if they were in the back needeing emergency medical attention! Easy to arm-chair quaterback.
Last - the EMTs, firemen, AND police need our support not criticism.

Posted by ChrisPia on June 18, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thomas1776....It is very easy to forget when you are trying to treat a heart patient and trying to get to the Hospital as quick as you can..The Driver is constantly talking to the person in the back in case they have to stop and perform CPR....The conditions of the Road might not have required lights at that particular time.(there might not have been traffic.).....
HE had No right stopping or slowing down an emergency vehicle .PERIOD. If He thought something was wrong he should have followed the ambulance to it's destination or gotten it's plate to complain to their superiors.
EMS was Doing their Job........Thank You EMS

Posted by katrenavantassle on June 18, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank God I live 5 minutes from Summerville Medical Center.
I will have someone drive me instead of calling any ambulances. EMT's are well trained but then again you can even train a chimpanzee to fly...so all being said, it was poor judgement on the EMT driver to stop before he reached the hospital...and totally rediculous judgement on the power hungry administrator with too much time on his hands. I agree the administrator should never been allowed to have flashing lights stay on that car when it was gave to him. Poor judgement on the county as well. It seems these days some Dorcester County employees just make their own rules alot. What happened to following procedures people???

Posted by waterbug on June 18, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess this power monger should be notified in the future on every EMS call!!!!!!!!!!.

Posted by outrage on June 18, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 18, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"outrage" uses multiple names to post on this website. "Outrage" was using their other names to post comments with sexual content under yesterdays story regarding the prostitute charged with murder.
Pathetic little wackos.
Posted by Thomas1776 on June 18, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One day "outrage" might grow up. LMAO!

Thomas1776 - I did not post yesterday, or the day before!
I only have one screen name and I am curious why I would have to grow up when you are the one calling me names.

Posted by waterbug on June 18, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jason Ward should be disciplined !! This is a very serious matter and the results could have been terribly different. ( possibly even ending in death) !!!!!

Posted by waterbug on June 18, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As far as excessive traffic law violations the biggest violators by FAR!!! are the law enforcement officers themselves!!!! When will their superiors realize this, and do something about it. NEVER< BECAUSE THEY ARE GUILTY OF THE SAME OFFENses!!

Posted by dreamer on June 18, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what do you know!?! Early and I actually agree ;)

J.K...but I do think that Mr. Ward was correct in doing what he did. He was concerned...No lights? Speeding??? He tried to warn them, NOT stop them (I can read!!!)

Posted by drp7773 on June 18, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does this guy get a free car, what does he do in his job that dictates this, at 4.00 a gallon of gas are we paying his gas bill too? When is the waste in government gloing to stop.....

Posted by JohnS on June 18, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why didn't he use his radio to find out from dispatch if the unit was on a call? What Mr. Ward did was dumb. I wonder how he would feel if this with his mother in the unit? I hope council does something about this.

Posted by prosperous_hb on June 18, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't wait to see why the sirens or the lights was not on during the transport of the patient. I don't think Mr. Ward was abusing his power, he was just a concerned citizen and County employee. Kudos Mr. Ward!

Posted by catburger00 on June 18, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me get this straight.

The county administrator, whose job responsibilities include being incident commander at storm damage operations, had the following thought process:

"Hey, that ambulance is going too fast. Hey, they work for the same county I do. I should totally get involved here.

Speeding is totally unacceptable, especially in a county vehicle. Hold on, let me speed up to the same speed as them so I can keep up with them while I call the EMS office twice.

Well, that whole calling thing didn't work too well. Instead of getting the EMS unit number and waiting until I get home to call again and have this issue addressed, let me turn on the flashing headlights on this old unmarked police cruiser. Maybe then they'll get the idea that I want them to slow down. They don't really know who I am, but they should totally care what I think.

Hmm, they seem to be pulling over for my old unmarked police cruiser with flashing lights. That's weird, that's not what I wanted. I don't know if they have a patient in the back (which is weird since there are two big open windows in the back of the ambulance). I don't want them to pull over if they have a patient in the back! Well, I guess I should go ahead and stop behind them and talk to them to see what's going on."

This guy didn't make an error in judgment, he made plenty.

I'm not attempting to defend the driver. On that note, I have a few more comments:

For those of you who state that the ambulance should have at least had their lights on, sorry but that's not how it works. If the ambulance didn't have their lights on, it's because the patient's condition did not warrant "running code" to the hospital. Going to the hospital with the lights on is much less often needed than one would think. Going code increases the likelihood of getting into an accident by a ridiculous amount, so they only do it when necessary.

That said, the driver shouldn't have been speeding since the patient condition didn't warrant it. Also, a 1 minute and 40 second delay is nothing in the situation that the patient is stable...one could have the same delay just sitting at a red light. That's not really an issue. The important thing is that the patient was being cared for by a paramedic and on the way to the hospital, and if the patient's condition had deteriorated it would be noticed and treated, and then they would have a reason to "run code" to the hospital.

Posted by hardatwork on June 18, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thomas 1776 The patient in the ambulance left a St. George Physicians office in a ambulance because of a heart condition. The EMT's were traveling in a remote area of Hwy 78. Norfork Southern owning each side of the road. Very little traffic. No side roads for vehicles to enter the highway. It is understandable that they were not using emergency lights. However, once approching the small communities where vehicles could be pulling on to the highway emergency lights would have been needed.

Coldbeer, you do have connections because yes the EMT was notified that Ward wanted him to stop.

Posted by dadsemt on June 18, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who are not in EMS, an anmbulance speeding without proper lights AND siren is breaking the law in South Carolina. 90% of the time, they have no patient in the back. They are just in a rush to get no were. However, the County Administrator was wrong in what he did. A phone call to the EMS Director would have taken care of the problem. Remeber Charleston County EMS killing a collage student a few months ago? They were well over double the speed limit. It's time for EMS to be held accountible for their actions, or inactions. Speeding with out lights and siren on according to State Law is speeding. Just like you and me.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do remember the incident in which the college student pulled out in front of an ambulance(that was blazing lights and sirens)who got killed.I guess if I jump in front of a train and get hit you will all point the finger at the conductor.If you remember also EMT's and Paramedics have a little wiggle room to use good judgement.Like any other profession not everyone does.I'm telling you when John Q Public starts trying to dictate emergency medical care-patients will suffer.When 911 is called you intrust EMTs and Paramedics to render proper care using training and good judgement.But people are getting bent outta shape wanting to tell them how to drive.No one trusts their judgement on how to DRIVE?

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

catburger00 -EXCELLENT POINTS!!!

Posted by drp7773 on June 18, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now we know who bought all the Chips cd's .......Mr. wanna be Ponch Jr.

Posted by Siri on June 18, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Ward said he twice called the Dorchester County EMS office and spoke to officials briefly before the calls were dropped.

EMS Director Doug Warren said no one ever told the ambulance to pull over." Quoted from the article.

Posted by ColdBeer on June 18, 2008 at 3:01 p.m.
The ambulance driver was told, over his radio " That is Dorchester County Administrator Jason Ward behind you and he wants you to stop". The ambulance driver had no idea who Jason Ward was, or what authority he had, so the ambulance driver stopped. Somehow, some way, Mr. Ward let someone know who he was and what he was doing.

CB I was wondering where your info came from? How come the article says different?

Hwy 78 is mostly 2 lanes in Dorch. Co. and most of it between 17-A and the town of Dorchester is in dire need of repair. Between potholes and patches over potholes it bounces me and my dumptruck all over the road. It is not easy to keep a large vehicle in your lane at 55mph in these places. 14 over is 69mph. That is an emergency cituation only or some dumba** who is intoxicated or has a death wish. Emergency situations require LIGHTS & or SIRENS!

Posted by Dragonslayer on June 18, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ricky Ranger Rides Again!
Let's look at how this idiot came to be our county administrator. Seems that Senator Randy Scott cut a deal with the county councilman who would be chairman, councilman Willie Davis, and Senator John Matthews that if Jason Ward was hired as County Administrator, Davis and Matthews would deliver the "black" vote. So Ward was hired as our county's 'Bossman'.
Just a caveat...if you had a heart problem and the ambulance's siren is screaming and the lights are flashing, this would be enough stress to make the heart attack worse.

I differ with all of you. For more information about ward, see http://www.dragonslayerpress.com/Dragons..., the Finger of Sahme Award, Volume I, Issue 3, and see how much power Ward has. To those of you who found fault with this issue, perhaps you need to rethink this.

So the driver was trying to keep the patient quiet. He would most likely turn on the lights and sirens if the need arose. However, Ward's stop probably put this patient in more danger. The account from the patient, which appeared in a letter to the editor, cites the radio dispatcher instructing the ambulance to stop. That takes the blame of stopping off the driver. He was ordered to make the stop.
Ricky Ranger, aka Jason Ward, needs to get out of this job. Citizens need to talk to their councilmen about changing County Government to a managerial form of government where the people can select the manager. Take this appoint power away from the politicians and give it to the people where it belongs.

Posted by bkc6 on June 18, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone wishing to support Bill Collins, for State Senator, by signing his petition can do so at the following address...

125 Orangeburg Rd.
Summerville

The corner of Orangeburg Rd. and Dorchester Rd. Signing starts at 11 am.

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 18, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PEOPLE ... Re Read the article please!

1) It is unsafe for a vehicle the size of the ambulance to be driving too fast.

2) The law enforcement agent was only trying to get the ambulance to slow down, not pull him over (as it clearly says in the article)

3) It is illegal for ambulances to speed.

4) Thus the reason for having trained medical personnel on an ambulance, there is no reason to speed.

If you just take the time to read the article, you would learn this rather than being so judgemental as some of you always are.

Mr. Ward was only doing his job ... I do not think that he is power hungry. That is a stupid remark. At least he tried to do something rather than let it slip by. If that was your Mom in the ambulance and if flipped b/c it was going too fast and you later learned that a cop did see it and did nothing ??? Who would be whining then? Duh!

Posted by hardatwork on June 18, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl - Ward is not a law enforcement officer. He is the county administrator. He deals with budget proposals not the law. You RE READ THE ARTICLE I know what is said.

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 18, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoa Hardatwork ... Forgive me. The point of the matter is the ambulance was going too fast illegally. He did not try to stop the ambulance, just get them to slow down. He wasn't trying to get anyone into trouble. Dang!

Posted by 10216340 on June 18, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many have commented about the extra stress put on a patient when the ambulance has lights and sirens going. Well......that is why an ambulance will frequently just go with lights alone.....which in and of itself is not stressful. I mean, the patient already knows they are in an ambulance.....do ya think lights will in some way add to that stress.

Also, if it's the middle of the night an ambulance may not use the siren but should ALWAYS use the lights. Many times a siren will only be used when there is traffic. Someone commented earlier that lights where not necessary since the road was lightly traveled.....sorry....that is completely wrong and besides, traffic congestion is way to subjective a measure.

An ambulance should NEVER, EVER go to an emergency scene without lights AND it should NEVER transport a patient without lights.

Also, while at the scene the ambulance should keep lights on (this information came from a police officer)because it is a beacon for other emergency personnel if needed.

Granted the county administrator could have, in hindsight and after finding out there was a patient in the back, acted incorrectly.

But, the real problem began and ended with the ambulance driver (EMT, Intermediate, or Paramedic....whatever the case may be).

Posted by medicjohn on June 18, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Paramedic/Road Supervisor, I would like to state that there are times in which policies may have to be bent in order to provide the best course of care for the patient. Policies are put in place as guidelines and are not the bible. The patient was a heart patient and the saying goes time is muscle and every minute counts. I wasn't there but from this info. I would state that yes, the driver violated policy. Did they do it in the best interest of the patient, I don't know I wasn't in the ambulance. I would also like to point out and not to be attacking Mr. Ward, but I would like to know how fast Mr. Ward was going when he stop or attempted to slow down the ambulance. It sounds as if he was violating state laws and policies. I was wondering if Mr. Ward has chased down a Patrol car that was driving fast and without there lights and sirens on. I hope that your readers understand that we are doing our best to help them out and it isn't for fame or fortune it's because we care about our fellow man/woman.

Posted by jgjoyner on June 18, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No one should be cited. The ambulance driver was wrong for going over the speed limit without lights and sirens. Ward was trying to do good and just went about it the wrong way. All parties are aware and will more than likely perform differently in the future. It is time to move on.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 18, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl -I'm not trying to name call but your posts make you sound like an idiot.It is not illegal for an ambulance to speed.medicjohn brought up a point I was trying to make earlier.There are guidelines set-it's not the bible.Everyone familiar with EMS knows the entire profession can be grey.Not black and white.Best judgement is used.Care is rendered in a way that the best suits the patient and situation.I love it when people mouth off as if theyre freakn EMS experts.One moron posted that maybe he thought the EMS was stolen.(not ambulance...the EMS)LMAO

Posted by galaxyscope on June 18, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all due respect to the EMS personnel, that ambulance driver is a moron! First of all you don’t operate in an emergency without turning on the emergency lights. And secondly, if you truly have a patient whose life depends on you, you don’t stop – no matter who’s flashing lights behind you!

Let us do not forget the Poor College of Charleston student who was killed by an over-speeding EMS vehicle. EMS drivers, be swift but safe, and keep a cool head! You are not doing anyone any good by causing an accident or killing someone while speeding improperly.

Ward should be commended for doing his job as an administrator to “administer” the bad behavior of the EMS driver, who obviously couldn’t remember to do the most basic task of flipping on his lights!

Posted by jammer007 on June 19, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early , your a joke ! One day you'll call EMS and the first thing you'll be saying is " PLEASE HURRY " . I hope they go slow as @*#& to get to your house . You all will want them to pick up the pace when your butt or a loved one needs help. The speeding won't be a problem then now would it . All you EMS , FIRE , PD bashers can blow .

Posted by Creeker01 on June 19, 2008 at 5:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd be interested in exactly how many posters here have ever driven an Emergency Vehicle.

Not many I'd wager.

Emergency Lights/Sirens in many cases panic other drivers into doing something really REALLY stupid, like lock up their brakes, so believe it or not many times it is safer to NOT use them.

Take a ride-along sometime....

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 19, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coolfreaknbeans ~ What does this tell you? "A letter dated Feb. 23, 2005, from Warren to all EMS personnel warns that not obeying traffic laws in a 5-ton vehicle is "dangerous and unacceptable"

That sounds illegal to me? Yes, I am sure that they take matters into their own hands for serious cases, but if something were to happen to someone, like the C of C student, ??? Come on. It is called common sense. If they are trained to handle emergency situations in the ambulance, why should they need to speed? That is the point that I am making along w/ many other posters.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 19, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Have you ever driven an ambulance ChasCarolinaGirl?Have you ever rendered patient care in the back of an ambulance?I doubt it-your ignorant comments say it all.The driver of the ambulance that killed the CofC girl WAS NOT charged.As an emergency vehicle operator you are allowed to break some traffic laws.Would you expect an ambulance to stop and wait through every red light?Well proceeding through it cautiously according to you is unacceptable and illegal.What a joke.

Posted by cb7447 on June 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ward said he twice called the Dorchester County EMS office and spoke to officials briefly before the calls were dropped.

Just making the point that he did try to contact someone. I honestly care less either way but read the whole article before assuming he didn't try and contact anyone!

Posted by Dragonslayer on June 19, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let us not forget this heart patient was being transported from her doctor's office and her heart rate was 180. That would indicate to me that that extra measures shold be taken to keep this patient calm to keep the heart from further excelaration.
to previous posting that remarked this person was in an ambulance, and knew it What harm could lights do?
If you do not know that any disturbance is likely to elevate the heart rate,you need to read more. Any small disturbance is likely to elevate the heart rate. Due to her circumstances of pulse of 180 it is wonderful that death did not occur,no thanks to Jason Ward.

Posted by mrs33 on June 23, 2008 at 3:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, so I've read just about all I can take I feel I need to put my two cents in about a couple things. I know it's been a couple of days but anyways!

First off. This "ego maniac doofus on a bike with a flashing red light & hat on his head" image is hilarious (charlestonbill and coolfreaknbeans!) HILARIOUS!

Second of all. People please. Not all of a police officer's calls warrant a lights & sirens response, just like not all of EMS calls warrant that type of response, however, they usually must get there QUICKLY. So go ahead, buy your little radar guns and take them to the LEO's and see where that gets you. The chief would probably laugh. I'd laugh too if it was you calling for PD and they could not use lights & sirens but had to get there quick, but because you are b!tch!ng about them speeding, they have to drive under the limit to get there and you get hurt or worse, killed before they get there because it turned bad faster than you could update 911...Think about that.

Third...are you serious? This maniac impersonated a police officer, which is a misdemeanor in SC(fined no more than $500 AND imprisoned for no more than 1 year!). All it takes it a reasonable person to assume that the person in question was an LEO, which in this case, obviously occurred. A PUBLIC SAFTEY OFFICIAL thought he was an LEO. Anyone see a problem with this? Get your "Coca cola smile" (thanks coolfreaknbeans very descriptive!) off the crazy page and show us a mug shot because your dumb butt deserved it! You so are not a cop! MANIAC! UGH!

Fourth...minutes in a cardiac patient are **GOLDEN**. Medics are encouraged NOT to use lights & sirens with these folks as it adds anxiety which in the case of a true heart attack (which we cannot always accurately diagnose in the field) causes more damage! Not to mention, for LEOs and EMS, esp this scenario, south carolina state law (section 56-5-760[B]) states "The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may...exceed the maximum speed limit...if he does not endanger life or property..." in this situation, I would say it would be on the *saving* life side for that patient.

And to the medic who actually pulled over, I can't say what I would actually do, I'd have mixed feelings, I'd probably check with the AIC in the back, but I've always been told that you can just wait til you get to the hospital and talk to PD there, or phone dispatch and tell them to relay to the officer due to patient care, you cannot stop until you get to the ER. It's generally acceptable unless the officer is a complete doo doo head!