A call for help, a road full of questions

By Amy Ducote

A family's concerns about emergency ambulance access on Big Bend Road in Avoyelles Parish have brought renewed attention to the condition of rural roads and the challenges residents can face when emergency medical assistance is needed.

Amy Gaspard Brummett raised concerns following an emergency involving her elderly parents, who live on Big Bend Road. Her father is a cancer patient, and she said the family's experience left them questioning whether the condition of the roadway contributed to a delay in reaching their home.

According to Brummett, the family called 911 at approximately 10:50 p.m., but the ambulance did not reach the area near her parents' residence until after midnight. She said her husband went looking for the ambulance and helped direct the crew toward the home.

Brummett said the roadway has been a longstanding concern, particularly following rainfall and during agricultural harvesting season. She described conditions that can make travel difficult and said her mother has repeatedly contacted District 9 Police Juror Jacob Coco over approximately three years seeking improvements.

The family maintains that the roadway needs more than occasional grading and additional material in low areas. Brummett also questioned whether recent maintenance would provide a lasting solution, particularly when wet weather and heavy agricultural traffic return.

The situation raised questions about whether ambulances are permitted to travel muddy or gravel roads and how emergency crews determine whether a roadway is safe to enter.

Acadian Ambulance responds

Acadian Ambulance, contacted for clarification, disputed the suggestion that its crews are prohibited from traveling wet, muddy or gravel roads.

Randall Mann, speaking on behalf of Acadian Ambulance, explained the company's policy in a written response.

“Our policy does, in fact, allow for driving an ambulance on muddy, wet and gravel roads, provided the road base is firm enough to allow the unit to travel safely and without becoming stuck.”

Mann also explained that when a roadway is determined to be impassable, dispatchers may seek assistance from local fire or law enforcement agencies. “On the call in question, although the road was in very poor condition, our crew did travel to the residence and patient,” Mann stated.

Acadian's response confirms that its crew reached the patient, but it does not resolve the family's concerns about the amount of time involved in reaching the residence.

The distinction is important because the family's complaint centers not only on whether the ambulance eventually arrived, but also on whether roadway conditions affected the response.

Coco addresses road complaints and repairs

In a detailed written response, Coco acknowledged the family's concerns and said the condition of Big Bend Road has been an ongoing maintenance issue. “First and foremost, I understand the seriousness of this situation. Every resident deserves access to emergency medical services, and I take concerns involving public safety and emergency response seriously.”

Coco said the complaint was brought to his attention Sunday, Oct. 11, night and the road was inspected the following day. “During that inspection, there was some standing water, but the road base was firm. The road was then graded, and additional base material was placed in the low areas to improve its condition.”

Coco said he has spoken with the resident multiple times about the road and plans for improvements. “These types of maintenance issues are common on rural gravel roads, particularly during harvest season when increased agricultural traffic, combined with rainfall, contributes to deterioration. While routine grading and the placement of base material provide improvements, I recognize that paving is the long-term solution.”

Ambulance info updated, Coco says

Following the complaint, Coco said he contacted an Acadian Ambulance representative to discuss the company's policies and concerns about future emergency access.

According to Coco, the representative advised him that ambulance drivers are not permitted to leave designated roadways or enter soft or muddy areas. Coco said the representative also informed him that a note had been added to Acadian's dispatch system identifying Big Bend Road as having a firm base suitable for ambulance travel during future emergencies.

That information reflects Coco's account of his conversation with Acadian. The company's earlier written response separately stated that ambulances may travel muddy, wet and gravel roads when conditions permit safe passage.

Coco said the additional communication was intended to help prevent uncertainty during future emergency calls. “I appreciate Acadian Ambulance working with me to address this concern and help ensure clarity for future responses.”

Coco also emphasized that he could not speak for Acadian regarding the ambulance's dispatch timeline or the circumstances surrounding the response.

Remaining road paving estimated at $528,100

Beyond the immediate repairs, Coco outlined plans for completing the remaining unpaved portion of Big Bend Road.

According to Coco, approximately 6.5 miles have recently been paved in sections, with another 1.5 miles remaining.

The final proposed section would extend to the last residence on Big Bend Road before the sugarcane field.

“Our engineer estimates the cost of paving the remaining approximately 1.5 miles at $528,100. My goal is to have this section completed in 2027.”

Coco said the project is being completed in phases as funding becomes available. “This is not an issue that has been ignored. We have been making improvements in phases, and I remain committed to seeing this project through to completion.”

He also pointed to the recently completed Monroe Farbe Bridge replacement on Big Bend Road as another infrastructure improvement serving the area.

In addition, Coco said engineers have advised that the Bobby Gaspard Bridge project is scheduled to receive bids on July 14, 2027.

Both projects are part of broader road, bridge and drainage improvements in District 9.

Emergency access remains concern

While the family, Acadian Ambulance and Coco have offered different perspectives on the incident, all three accounts underscore the importance of dependable emergency access for residents living along rural roads.

Brummett's family remains concerned about the time it took emergency personnel to reach her parents and whether similar circumstances could occur again.

Acadian maintains that its policies allow ambulances to travel rural roads when conditions are safe and confirms that its crew reached the residence.

Coco maintains that the road had a firm base when inspected, that repairs were made following the complaint and that additional paving remains a priority.

“I understand the family’s concerns regarding the ambulance response. However, I cannot speak on behalf of Acadian Ambulance regarding its dispatch timeline, operational decisions, or the circumstances surrounding its response,” Coco stated.

For residents of Big Bend Road, the issue extends beyond routine road maintenance. It involves the ability of ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to reach homes when minutes can make a difference.

Although the parish has completed additional maintenance and Coco has outlined plans for paving the remaining section, the family's reported emergency response timeline has not been independently established.

The incident highlights a continuing concern for rural communities throughout Avoyelles Parish: ensuring that road conditions do not become another obstacle when residents need emergency assistance.