2 EMTs Critical After Suffering Separate Medical Episodes On BQE

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — Two EMTs are in critical condition after suffering separate medical episodes on the eastbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Thursday afternoon, according to the FDNY.

Liam Glinane, a 63-year-old EMT, was driving an ambulance along the BQE just after 1 p.m. when he suffered a stroke and crashed near Exit 40, the FDNY said.

A second EMS worker, 47-year-old lieutenant Raymond Wang, was doing a ride-along with a physician when they stopped to help after the crash, according to the FDNY.

But Wang suddenly suffered an aortic aneurysm and fell unconscious.

The two EMS workers were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition, officials said. Both have since been transferred to Mount Sinai hospital in Manhattan.

Wang, who has spent 19 years with FDNY EMS, is now fighting for his life.

"We're not believers in coincidences, except for today, and it is an extremely tragic coincidence," FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

"Thankfully, both of these members were able to be transported and are still alive," Nigro added. "It's somewhat amazing considering the serious nature of both of these conditions."

This is a tough day for our city and for the @FDNY. Lieutenant Raymond Wang is in critical condition and EMT Liam Glinane is in critical but stable condition. Please keep these good men and their families in your thoughts and prayers tonight.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 17, 2019