Wednesday, September 8, 2010 We regret to advise you that this morning, a McDowell County Emergency Ambulance Authority (W. VA) ambulance was involved in a single vehicle motor vehicle crash at approximately 0300 hours, (September 8, 2010) on Route 80 in Avondale, WV. The ambulance (designated as Unit 802) was transporting a patient from their residence in English, WV to Welch Community Hospital.

The Emergency Vehicle Operator, James Bailey, who was driving the ambulance was killed in the Line of Duty. The EMS attendant, EMT Kevin Brooks, was also injured but his injuries do not appear life-threatening. The patient family member also sustained minor injuries in the accident. A family member accompanying the patient was also injured and was transported by AirEvac Lifeteam to a Charleston-area hospital.
EMT Bailey, 36, of Bradshaw WV, had been with McDowell County EMS since November 2009 and he is survived by 2 children.