Accident on July 4th in Fredonia

At around 10 a.m. on July 4th, a sedan traveling west on Altus Lane in Fredonia crossed directly in front of an eastbound truck. The truck attempted to turn but ended up colliding with the passenger side of the car. Coconino County Sheriff Brett Axland has requested permission for ground ambulances from both Kane County and Canab EMS to assist in the situation.

Fortunately, the driver and passengers of the truck sustained only minor injuries. However, one driver’s condition was serious enough to require an emergency lifelight. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and hence specific details haven’t been released to the public yet.

This event is particularly notable due to it being a medical emergency, especially after the recent announcement that Kane County EMS can no longer operate in Arizona. This has prompted Sheriff Axland’s request for special assistance.

In response to the situation, Fredonia Mayor Don Johnson declared a local emergency. The declaration outlines the need for appropriate emergency medical services to be accessible for Fredonia’s residents, referencing Arizona Revised Statutes regarding emergency services and law enforcement.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there exists a regulatory exemption under ARS 36-2217, allowing ambulances from other states to operate without the standard required certificates. This means that transport of patients, whether from within or outside Arizona, can legally occur under these temporary measures.

These emergency measures are meant to be temporary while officials work to solve the underlying issues that led to these restrictions. The state of emergency in Fredonia will remain in effect until the mayor deems the health and safety of the community no longer at risk.