Union Seeking Donations After EMT Was Seriously Injured In Crash

Ormond Beach, FL – A Volusia County EMT was on his way to work when his car was hit by a pickup truck that had lost control. Now, the county’s paramedic union is looking to help him on his road to recovery. According to the Volusia County EMS Union (IAEP Local 77), on March 12th, EMT Jeff Palmer, a 12-year veteran with Volusia County EMS, was on his way to the Volusia County EMS Headquarters in Holly Hill for a light duty shift. Jeff usually works night shifts at EMS Station 83 in DeLand, but after battling COVID-19—which included a trip to the hospital—he was reassigned to light-duty work at the EMS headquarters as he recovered. The union also noted that even with reduced lung capacity, Jeff insisted on coming back to work in a modified role so he can help his team. While Jeff was driving southbound on Nova Road headed to work, a pickup truck suddenly came spinning over the median from the northbound lanes and hit his car—almost hitting him directly head-on—causing significant damage. He was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center as a trauma alert. As a result of the crash, Jeff received multiple injuries, including a fractured clavicle, internal bleeding, and a fracture on his spine, just to name a few. Despite his injuries, the union reports that Jeff has remained in good spirits and remains optimistic as he begins the lengthy recovery process. To help out Jeff and his family, the Volusia County EMS union has organized a GoFundMe page in his name. As of Tuesday afternoon (March 16th), the page has exceeded its $7,500. You can click here to visit Jeff’s GoFundMe page.