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Clearwater, FL (March 13, 2026) – A serious traffic accident near a golf course off South Betty Lane in Clearwater left two people in critical condition on Thursday, March 12. Emergency units, including fire and paramedic teams, responded to the scene and coordinated care for both patients.
A trauma alert was issued due to the severity of the injuries. One person was flown from a landing zone at the nearby golf course, while a second was taken away by ground ambulance.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere thoughts are with both patients and their families as they face what is clearly a difficult time.
What Happens When a Trauma Alert Is Issued After a Crash in Florida?
A trauma alert is called when a crash victim shows signs of life-threatening injuries that require immediate specialized care. In Florida, this triggers a coordinated response that may include air transport to a trauma center as quickly as possible. Helicopter transport is typically used when injuries are severe, and the nearest appropriate facility is not easily reachable by ground in time.
Pinellas County has several trauma-capable hospitals that receive patients from serious crashes throughout the region. When two patients are both in critical condition at the same scene, responders must quickly divide resources and prioritize care for each person separately. The use of both air and ground transport at a single crash scene reflects the complexity and seriousness of the medical response required.
