The Most Popular Stories of 2012

The past year saw its share of tragedies, triumphs, scandals and more. Here are the stories that readers clicked the most, making them the Top 10 most popular on EMS World in 2012: 

Four Maryland Responders Punished for Facebook Posts 

The chief of Harford County's largest and busiest fire company suspended three members and demoted a fourth in June over posts in which they complained about not receiving a discount at a local Sonic restaurant as police and military do - and suggestions that they not respond to any fire calls at the business.

Va. EMT, Patient Killed in Ambulance Crash

An EMT and a patient were killed last January after an ambulance was involved in a collision with a cement-mixing truck in Buckingham County, Va.

Largest-Ever Medicare Fraud Takedown Nabs 4 Houston EMS Providers 

It was reported in May that four Houston private ambulance companies are reportedly responsible for $7 million in phony trips to an outpatient psychiatric clinic.

Illinois Medevac Chopper Encountered Bad Weather Before Crash 

The pilot, who was killed along with two flight nurses in a December crash, had advised he was turning back due to poor conditions.

EMS Crew Saves Tennessee Trooper From Fiery Crash 

Authorities said the trooper likely would have died if not for a succession of emergency personnel who miraculously happened upon the scene within seconds of the 2:50 a.m. crash last March. They frantically worked to free the unconscious trooper from the mangled wreckage, pulling him clear just as his cruiser burst into flames.

Alcohol 'Enema' Investigated in Tennessee

One student was hospitalized and several others were found passed out in September at a University of Tennessee fraternity house. Though at least one student later denied the reports, police said it was apparently due to "butt chugging," in which wine was inserted directly into the rectum via tubing for quick absorption.

Conn. Man Files Suit: Says Responders 'Forced Medical Treatment'

In a lawsuit against the towns of Manchester and South Windsor, a 53-year-old man contended in March that police and other emergency responders "kidnapped" him from his home and took him to the hospital against his will.

Va. Paramedic Dies of Injuries After Fall

Alexandria Paramedic Joshua Weissman died in February after falling from a cement barrier along I-395 at the scene of a car fire.

Woman Dies After Jumping From Ambulance in Texas 

The woman being transported for a mental evaluation in August reportedly jumped off the cot, unlocked the doors and jumped onto the highway.

Alabama Responder on Trial for Fatal Ambulance Crash 

The driver, who was later acquitted by a jury, was reportedly looking at her phone seconds before the ambulance ran into the back of an SUV in a 2009 wreck that killed a 72 year-old woman.