Tinesh Tamilkodi: Paramedic, 38, killed in horror crash on the way to ‘priority’ emergency was treated by his traumatised colleagues at the scene: ‘You can only imagine how harrowing that must be for them’

A paramedic who died in a horror crash while responding to an emergency was treated by his fellow colleagues at the scene who have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Tinesh Tamilkodi, 38, died at an intersection in Forrestdale, 30km south-east of Perth, when he lost control of the ambulance he was driving at about 1.30am on Tuesday. 

The emergency vehicle spun out of control and hit a tree, leaving him with critical injuries.

His fellow paramedics tried desperately to save him but he was unable to be revived. 

Mr Tamilkodi had worked as an ambulance officer for 10 years and was a clinical support paramedic with St John Ambulance WA. 

St John WA group chief executive Kevin Brown told 7 News the first responders were devastated by their colleague’s death.

‘You can only imagine how harrowing that must be for them. We’re providing the team every support at the moment that we can,’ Mr Brown said. 

‘At this time, the most difficult time in anybody’s family, our focus is very much on Tinesh and supporting his family, but also looking after our broader team who are heartbroken.’

Mr Tamilkodi, who was rushing to a ‘priority’ emergency, is the first paramedic from St John WA to die while on duty. 

Mr Tamilkodi’s job involved providing backup to emergency services during critical incidents.  

The man’s family who are overseas were notified of his death by authorities. 

The family who have since released a statement said ‘there are no words to express our sadness’.

‘Tinesh always dreamed of being a paramedic and helping those who needed it most,’ the statement read. 

The emergency vehicle spun out of control and hit a tree leaving him with critical injuries 

The 38-year-old (pictured) had completed 10 years of service as a paramedic which his family described as his ‘dream’ job

The severity of the crash was made plain by the wreck of the vehicle and the debris that was scattered across the road at the time of the incident. 

The specialist vehicle that crashed was being ‘escorted’ by at least one other St John WA crew, 7News Perth reported.

The flags at St John WA’s head office were flown at half mast on Tuesday.

Western Australia’s Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson released a statement on the shocking loss of a first responder.

‘This is a tragic event and my thoughts are with the family and our partners at St John WA…’ she said.

‘WA Health (will) work with St John WA to support the family at this time.’

Mr Tamilkodi’s colleagues tried desperately to save his life but he could not be revived

Earlier, local woman Sarah Hazel said she was woken up by the crash. ‘Someone just heading off to work trying to save other people’s lives and unfortunately they’ve had an accident of their own.

‘Especially at this time of year as well, so close to Christmas,’ she told the West Australian.

The road, which has an 80kmph speed limit and which locals say is ‘very problematic’, was shut for hours after the crash, reopening at around 7.30am.

Major crash investigators commenced an examination of the scene following the crash.