Crash Takes Life of Pennsylvania EMT

A longtime emergency medical technician died early Friday in a single-vehicle crash on Route 23 in Leola while en route to an emergency call, police said.

East Lampeter Township police Lt. Robin Weaver said David Sauder, 35, of 159 E. Main St., Leola, was killed when the vehicle in which he was a passenger went out of control and struck a tree.

Sauder was taken to Lancaster General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle, Doris Martin of Leola, was taken to Ephrata Community Hospital and treated for minor injuries. She was later released.

Sauder and Martin, both members of Leola Ambulance Association, were traveling to their headquarters in response to an emergency call from a pregnant woman who needed an ambulance, police said.

Police said Martin picked up Sauder at his home a few minutes after 3 a.m. and was traveling west on Route 23 near Ethel Avenue in Leola when she lost control of her 1989 Ford van.

Weaver said Martin's van crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a tree.

Police said Leola Ambulance Association's medic unit responded to the crash and attended to Sauder and Martin.

Weaver said the accident was the result of hazardous driving conditions. "The ice was definitely a contributing factor," he said.

He said the police department is saddened by Sauder's death.

"Any time a fatality like this happens, it's troubling," Weaver said.

West Main Street in Leola was closed to traffic from the time of the crash until about 10:30 a.m., police said.

Sauder was an EMT for Leola Ambulance and Bareville Fire Company for 13 years.

Police are continuing their investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact East Lampeter police Lt. Rob Eachus at 291- 4676.

David Sauder was an EMT for Leola Ambulance and Bareville Fire Company for 13 years.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.