Trooper Scott Richardson said Deputy Ray Horton and Sergeant Antoine Johnson applied pressure to Northampton County EMS paramedic Michael Barnes to help slow bleeding down and “possibly saved his life.”

Richardson was the trooper who responded to the crash after receiving the call at Highway 35 and Dusty Hill Road in the Potecasi area shortly after 2:45 a.m.

Barnes was responding to what had initially been dispatched as a shooting call. Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said it ended up being a disturbance call.

Barnes went through a stop sign and collided with a tree. Both his legs were injured, Richardson said. The two deputies provided medical attention.

Smith said he was pleased with the efforts of his deputies. “Our deputies do whatever it takes to save or attempt to save human life. I’m proud of these deputies who serve mankind and try to save lives in anyway possible.”

Barnes, 34, was flown from the crash site to Vidant in Greenville. Richardson said the crash remains under investigation to determine whether charges will be filed.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help defray the paramedic’s medical expenses.

Updates on the page indicate Barnes, an assistant paramedic supervisor, sustained a femur fracture to his left leg and multiple fractures to his right leg.

An update this morning indicated he has full movement and sensation in all extremities.