JFRD rescue unit flips in crash

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two paramedics were hospitalized as a precaution after their rescue unit was struck by a tractor-trailer and overturned Wednesday morning at the intersection of Edgewood Avenue and New Kings Road.

A Jacksonville Fire-Rescue captain said the unit was on an emergency run with its lights and siren on about 10 a.m. when a big rig entered the intersection and struck it.

JFRD confirmed the paramedics were OK but were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

A father and son working construction in the area witnessed the crash and rushed to help.

“I seen the semi-truck hit the ambulance and it spun around -- almost completely around -- then turned over on its side,” Michael Abbott said. “Me and my dad were concerned about somebody being in the back so we ran over, opened up the door. The guy on the bottom, his seatbelt was wedged, so we couldn’t unbuckle it, so we cut the strap, pulled the computer and stuff off him and got him out.”