Polk County Fire Rescue rallies around paramedic injured in ambulance crash

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Polk County Fire Rescue is rallying around one of their own after he was injured during an ambulance crash on Monday. They're staying by the side of John Parris, 32, 24/7 while he's in the hospital.

Courtesy: Tom Konze, Vice President of IFF Local 3531 

The backstory:

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said John Parris, 32, was injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday night along U.S. 27 and Lucerne Park Road. 

Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff's Office

Deputies tell us the driver, EMT Eryn Orduna, had her emergency lights activated when she approached a red light. Investigators tell us she slowed and looked both ways before entering the intersection. 

RELATED: Crash involving ambulance hospitalizes several people: PCSO

However, a Ford F450 truck pulling a trailer entered the intersection at the same time and hit the ambulance, causing it to spin. 

Parris was in the back of the ambulance, tending to a patient, when he was thrown from his seat. 

Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff's Office

Parris, Orduna, the patient and the driver of the pickup truck were all taken to the hospital.

What they're saying:

Parris' dad, Dave Parris, said his son has two small children and has been a paramedic with the team for the last three to four years. 

Courtesy: Tom Konze, Vice President of IFF Local 3531 

He explained that he suffered a traumatic brain injury, bleeding in the brain and broken bones. While he is in the ICU, he is breathing on his own. He also said he's been in and out of consciousness at Lakeland Regional Hospital, while his wife stays by his side. 

The family said Polk County Fire Rescue staff isn't leaving their side either. They're taking shifts to be in the hospital with them. 

Courtesy: Tom Konze, Vice President of IFF Local 3531 

They added that they are taking his recovery day by day. 

What we know:

The EMT who was driving, Orduna, was released from the hospital, while the pickup truck driver is expected to make a full recovery. 

Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff's Office

The Parris family told FOX 13 that the patient Parris was transporting at the time of the crash remains in the ICU as well. 

What we don't know:

While the Polk County Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing, it's unclear if the driver of the pickup truck will face any fines. 

Investigators said he entered the intersection at highway speed.