Tinesh Tamilkodi: Paramedic, 38, killed in horror crash on the way to ‘priority’ emergency was treated by his traumatised colleagues at the scene: ‘You can only imagine how harrowing that must be for them’
A paramedic who died in a horror crash while responding to an emergency was treated at the scene by his fellow colleagues who were left devastated by the tragedy.
Tinesh Tamilkodi, 38, died at an intersection in Forrestdale, 30km south-east of Perth, when he lost control of the ambulance he was riding in about 1.30am on Tuesday.
The emergency vehicle went out of control and struck a tree, causing serious injuries.
His fellow paramedics desperately tried to save him, but he could not be revived.
Mr Tamilkodi had worked as an ambulance officer for ten years and was a clinical support paramedic at St John Ambulance WA.
Tinesh Tamilkodi, 38, died at an intersection in Forrestdale, 30km south-east of Perth, when he lost control of the ambulance he was riding in about 1.30am on Tuesday.
St John WA group director Kevin Brown shared this 7 News the first responders were devastated by the death of their colleague.
‘You can only imagine how distressing that must be for them. We are providing all the support we can to the team at the time we can,” Mr Brown said.
‘At this time, the most difficult time in anyone’s family, our focus is very much on Tinesh and supporting his family, but also looking after our wider team who are heartbroken.’
Mr Tamilkodi, who rushed to a ‘priority’ emergency, has become the first paramedic from St John WA to die in the line of duty.
Mr. Tamilkodi’s job was to provide backup to emergency services during critical incidents.
The man’s family, who are living abroad, have been informed of his death by authorities.
The family, who have since released a statement, said “there are no words to express our grief.”
“Tinesh always dreamed of becoming a paramedic and helping people who needed it most,” the statement said.
The emergency vehicle went out of control and struck a tree, causing serious injuries
The 38-year-old (pictured) had spent ten years as a paramedic, which his family described as his ‘dream job’
The severity of the accident was evident from the wreckage of the vehicle and debris strewn across the road at the time of the incident.
The specialist vehicle that crashed was ‘escorted’ by at least one other crew from St John WA, 7News Perth reported.
Flags at St John WA headquarters were at half-mast on Tuesday.
Western Australian Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has released a statement about the shocking loss of a first responder.
“This is a tragic event and my thoughts are with the family and our partners at St John WA…,” she said.
“WA Health (will) work with St John WA to support the family at this time.”
Mr Tamilkodi’s colleagues desperately tried to save his life, but he could not be revived
Earlier, local woman Sarah Hazel said she was woken up by the crash. ‘Someone who just goes to work to save the lives of others and unfortunately has had an accident himself.
“Especially at this time of year, right before Christmas,” she told the Western Australian.
The road, which has a speed limit of 80km/h and is ‘very problematic’ according to locals, was closed for hours after the accident and reopened around 7.30am.
Major crash investigators began an on-site investigation after the crash.