May, 2009
Rural Retreat Fire Department
Rural Retreat, VA
This vehicle ran around a curve and lost control running aver a 10 foot embankment crashing unto its side near a creek. As you can see, the Res-Q-Jacks were the only way to stabilize the vehicle to extricate the patient.
Engine 111, Tower 105, Battalion Chief 104, and Charleston County EMS
responded to a two vehicle motor collision also involving bicyclist.
Upon arrival Engine 111 established command and reported one patient
entrapped in the driver's seat of a side resting vehicle. Tower 105
personnel stabilized the vehicle using cribbing in conjunction with
Rescue Jacks and a tie back to the other vehicle. The patient was
extricated with a partial roof flap.
On occasion vehicles are involved in a motor vehicle collision and come to rest upside down in ditches of varying sizes. Rescuers may be able to utilize frequently used tactics including side removals and tunnel operations. However depending on factors such as ditch size, vehicle construction, vehicle damage, etc., side and trunk access may not be practical. Just short of manipulating the patient and potentially causing further injury this leaves rescuers with one solution which involves the vertical lifting of the vehicle with heavy recovery vehicles or lifting equipment.
Given our geographical area and exposure to this type of incident the Darlington County Extrication Team strived to develop and refine a tactic that provides a suitable path of egress when there are no other alternatives for a vehicle that has come to rest upside down. We wanted to accomplish this with limited equipment normally carried on rescue vehicles.
After hours of brainstorming and research, the solution involved the application of the basic components of a Res-Q-Jack system, 2 X-Struts®, a 15 foot Grade 80 chain, 1 ratchet strap, and 1 cluster. With this equipment rescuers have perfected raising vehicles from side to side and end to end. It took a redevelopment of these principles applied to a vehicle where the attachment points were several feet below the head of the strut.
These pictures depict the setup of the equipment along with potential tactics. Although it looks complex it is relatively easy and adaptable to almost any style of below grade situation. Rescuers who are familiar with the tactic can begin pitching the car within five minutes while other rescuers stage equipment for further disentanglement procedures. In a matter of 10 – 15 minutes a path of egress can be made with tactics including a clam maneuver, side removal, dash displacement, and/or tunnel operation.
CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Virginia State Police have released the names of the victims in Tuesday morning's deadly collision on Interstate 64, in Chesapeake.
Investigators say 75-year-old Donald Franklin Beazly was driving his Honda minivan Eastbound on I-64, just West of the High Rise Bridge, when a tanker truck crossed the median and hit the van. Beazly's wife, 72-year-old Sue Ratcliffe Beazly was killed. The Beazlys are from Littleton, North Carolina.
Police say the driver of the tanker truck, Gary Allen Saunders from Windsor, Va., had a medical related incident, which apparently caused the crash.
The tanker truck was carrying carbon dioxide.
Saunders and Donald Beazly were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. No word on their conditions.
Charges are pending.
The crash happened at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators remained on the scene into the evening hours.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Bryans Road Fire Department
Bryans Road, MD
On
18 November 2009, Rescue Engine 113 responded along with Engine 112,
Ambulance 118, Chief 11, Squad 7, Ambulance 78, and Paramedic Ambulance
89 to Billingsley Rd. and Catchapenny Place for the report of an auto
accident with a subject trapped. Units from 11 arrived on the scene to
find a single vehicle into a utility pole with one occupant still in
the vehicle. The crew from Rescue Engine 113 and Engine 112 utilized
the ResQ Jacks to stabilize the vehicle while Squad 7 prepared for
extrication. After the vehicle was stabilized the occupant was
extricated within a few minutes. The patient was turned over to the
EMS Crew and transported.
On Nov. 6 at 3:12 p.m. Caledon Fire and Emergency Services conducted a rescue operation after a man's foot became wedged in a Bobcat while working on a construction site by Highway 50, north of Zimmerman Drive in Palgrave. The man was working on the construction site when the incident occurred, making it a workplace accident, which has been reported to Caledon OPP. "It looked to our people as if the Bobcat may have been starting to lose its balance... It may have started to roll, or he perceived it was going to roll, so he attempted to jump from it," said Caledon Fire Chief Brad Bigrigg.
As he attempted the escape his foot became trapped between the bucket and the frame of the equipment. Firefighters were not able to use traditional equipment in the area, which was reportedly about a kilometre from the roadway, and so used mini-pumpers to transport people and rescue tools to and from the site. "There wasn't enough horizontal or vertical clearance. The roadways they've got cut though there, they're meant for something small like a pickup truck," explained Bigrigg.
It took approximately 45 minutes to free the trapped man. "They had to stabilize the Bobcat itself with 'ResQJacks'... we purchased them last year; we get a lot of use out of them," said the Chief. The machinery had to be stabilized so firefighters could work to free the victim without worrying about it rolling in the process. The operator was treated and transported to Headwaters Hospital by Peel EMS. "He was conscious and alert. It was clear that he had a serious injury to his foot. I don't think it was a life threatening injury... I think he was uncomfortable, in a lot of pain and he was trapped."
RICHLAND, NJ – It was a weekend of activity on October 3-4, 2009 at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland, Atlantic County where 97 emergency personnel trained in vehicle stabilization using the Res-Q-Jack system.
Participants came from New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Virginia and the District of Columbia to take part in the 2-day training class which was hosted by the Richland Fire Company and conducted by Mid-Atlantic Rescue Systems.
Seven different stations provided personnel with ample opportunity to work on various scenarios utilizing a variety of tool set ups.
Bill Lynch, vice-president of Mid-Atlantic Rescue Systems, said the class concentrated on unusual or difficult vehicle stabilization situations and was provided at no cost to the participants. Lynch also said that manufacturer of Res-Q-Jack systems donated a 4-Point Deluxe Res-Q-Jack System to the Richland Fire Company for hosting and making all necessary arrangements for the training.
Rescue workers prepare to remove an accident victim from under his truck on Horse Mountain Road west of Wartrace Saturday afternoon. The truck's driver, who was identified by authorities as Walter Donnie Lloyd, 55, of Coop Road, was thrown from and pinned under the truck. Bedford County Sheriff's Department personnel said it appeared Lynch had lost control on a sharp, hilly curve. The crash site is between Railroad Road and Wartrace-Bell Buckle Road.
The jacks were used to lift the vehicle off the victim. It went smoothe as silk despite the incorrect setup. I have been drawing our presentation on the board this morning to help the guys get it figured out. They said there were a ton of bystanders, highway patrol, deputies, and EMS there that were just impressed with the jacks when they removed the body.
This week for drill NBFD went to Burn's Garage to practice extrication while a car is on its side. ETA-205, Rescue-202, and Rescue-2012 stationed at Circle of Friends daycare until they were told to respond in to a PIAA car on its side with one patient entrapped in the driver seat. NBFD quickly stabilized the car using Res-Q-Jacks and the took off the roof to remove the patient.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 16:49hrs, Station 1 was activated for a
single vehicle Signal 80 rollover with 1 patient trapped in the
vehicle. Rescue 11 responded, immediately setting up vehicle
stabilization, Engine 12, which was out on a fire alarm at General
Chemical, cleared and responded to handle vehicle hazards. Rescue 11's
crew completed extrication of 1 ten minutes after arrival. Rural Metro
handled patient care. Units cleared about 30 minutes after dispatch.
Units Assigned, Car 1 (Woodworth), Car 2 (Bosco), Car 3 (Cantello),
Rescue 11, and Engine 12.
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Two drivers were seriously injured after a head on crash on Ohio Bypass 4 on Monday afternoon, August 10, 2009.
The accident occurred on Bypass 4 just south of Route 4 about 5:30 p.m. during afternoon rush hour traffic. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and required extensive extrication using Hurst hydraulic Jaws, Cutters and Rams.
According to the Fairfield Township Police Department, Barb Thompson, 46, of Fairfield Township, was heading north on Bypass 4, driving a Dodge minivan when she went left of center and struck head on a Ford Focus driven south by Kristen Dumen, 19, of Loveland Ohio.
Police are looking at the possibility of cell phone use or text messaging as the cause of the accident.
Both drivers were alone at the time of the accident and were transported to the Atrium Medical Center a level 2 Trauma Center.
Station 2 dispatched to 161 MM up on arrival found pickup truck that
had rolled over and was hauling a trailer. Squad 1 and Engine 2 arrived
on scene and secured vehicle with Res-Q-Jacks. Also crews had to
stabilize trailer, after stabilization crews proceeded to remove top
from vehicle to gain access to patient.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 9:05 PM, the Purchase Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with extrication at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and Webb Avenue. Responding units were advised by 60 Control that Harrison PD was on location confirming the extrication. Units arrived to find a Chevy Cobalt resting on its driver side with one patient trapped inside. Rescue 30 immediately began stabilization efforts using the Res-Q-Jack system while Engine 240 stretched a protective 1 3/4" handline and Engine 238 blocked the roadway. Crews then performed a partial roof removal to gain access to the patient. Two patients were transported by Harrison EMS to the Westchester Medical Center ALS. 2411 had the Westchester Avenue Command.
On June 22, 2009, a parked DC metro train was rear-ended by a second metro train during rush hour. Res-Q-Jacks were utilized to assist in stabilization at the scene while rescue personnel removed the victims.
At 0803 Hrs. Rescue 3 along with Engine 30 and Truck 17 were dispatched for the motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Engine 30 arrived at 54th ST. and Central Ave S.E and confirmed a two car accident with one trapped. Rescue 3 stabilized the vehicle, removed the roof and B-post to remove the trapped victim. Another great job by all the companies that were involved. Units cleared the scene in 45 minutes.
At 12:05 Company 1 was dispatched to 1505 Chester Pike for another unique call, within minutes Rescue1 with 6 under the command of 01-9A (Weber) responded, followed by Telesquirt 1 with 4 under the command of 01-9 Matthews. Upon arrival the crew was faced with the task of removing a SUV from under an automatic car wash unit that had got caught on the vehicle and had fallen . Res-Q-Jacks were used to Stabilize and raise the unit off the SUV. The crew removed the vehicle and stabilized the unit until carwash officials could get the unit repaired. The company was in service Approx. 30 mins.
April 24, 2009
Watkins Glen Fire/Rescue
Watkins Glen, NY
On 4/24/09 the Watkins Glen Fire Department was dispatched Mutual Aid to the Monterey Fire Department for their Heavy Rescue and Manpower to a scene of a one truck roll over with the driver partially ejected and trapped under the truck. Rescue 56 responded with 8 to the scene to find a pick up truck over turned with the nose in the ditch and the truck almost vertical. They deployed the RES-Q-JACK Inc. space saver struts and picked the truck off of the patient and finished the extrication process. The entire process was completed in 15 minutes start to finish. Operations were directed under Assistant Chief Judson Smith-story by him.
May 2, 2009
Boston Rescue 1
Boston Fire Department
City of Boston, MA
A Channel 4 News vehicle involved in a rollover accident was stabilized using Res-Q-Jack Struts. 4 days of in-service training on the equipment were just completed the previous day.
On the weekend of Feb. 20 through 22nd, 2009, instructors from Res-Q-Jack, Inc. attended an extrication program in Darlington, SC where they presented the “Stabilization University – Roll-EX” program to teach advanced vehicle stabilization and lifting techniques. The program was attended by approximately 175 students.
At about 6p.m. following the final day of the program a couple of the program’s attendees responded from the program to a fatal vehicle rollover with multiple entrapment. The responders applied techniques reviewed at the program they had just completed to aid in extrication of the injured. Below is an email from one of the responder’s:
Mr. Dominick,
Here are the pictures from the wreck last night. A twelve year old was extricated along with his guardian who was a DOA. Had Bell not showed up with our tool trailer hauling equipment from the class we would have been without struts. We didnt hesitate using a J-Hook and chain from the class equipment for the connecti on point on the alpha post. The vehicle was rock solid while we completed a partial roof flap. It certainly drives home the purpose of training and what this weekend was all about. Thanks again for your help this weekend and in general. Rescue Jacks has turned out to be a wonderful company to work with professionally and personally. The agencies involved included Darlington County EMS, Darlington County Fire District, and Darlington Rescue Squad.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ
February 18, 2009
Jefferson Township Fire Co #2
Jefferson Rescue Squad
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ - Shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Jefferson Township Fire Co #2 and Jefferson Rescue Squad were dispatched to the scene of an overturned vehicle on Edison Road. The local township roads had just become coated with a slippery layer of freshly fallen snow causing multiple motor vehicle accidents.
Upon arrival, first responding units reported the driver of the overturned vehicle was still in the car unharmed, but entrapped in the vehicle that came to rest at the crest of a steep hill.
Firefighters stabilized the vehicle using cribbing and Res-Q-Jacks and the driver was safely removed from the vehicle.
Platoon 2 was dispatched for the reported MVA with rollover. Members arrived to find a van on its side. Members used the RES-Q-JACKS to stabilize the vehicle and the Amkus system to remove the roof.
Crews responded to a two vehicle accident with one class-3 patient
entrapped. 2541's crew was first on scene and began to stabilize and
use hydraulic tools to free the patient. 2512 arrived on scene shortly
after 2541 and assisted with extrication and stabilization. 2543
arrived on scene next to assist in stabilization and a battery
disconnect on the second vehicle. 2541 removed the door using the
hydraulic tools to free the patient. Fluid and debris management, as
well as traffic control, were also performed by fire units.
September 9th
Yorktown Heights Engine Company
Yorktown Heights, New York
At 21:48 on September 9, YHFD units were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Rte. 35 between Evergreen St. and Whippoorwill Road. Car 2533 quickly confirmed entrapment in one of the vehicles. Using our Res-Q-Jacks, crews quickly stabilized the vehicle which was upturned on the passenger side. Requests for StatFlight and an additional medic were relayed from 34-Medic-1, and Engine 270 with Car 2534 were dispatched to the landing zone. Crews then removed the windshield and quickly created enough room to safely extricate the victim. After initial treatment on the scene, the patient was transported by Medivac to Westchester Medical Center. Yorktown units remained on the scene to provide lighting and assistance for the police investigation, and tow company's removal of the vehicles.
WATERBURY, CT - Jose Lugo was in his 1999 Jeep Cherokee on Ward Street when a man asking for a cigarette approached him. But before Mr. Lugo could answer, the man began attacking him with punches to the face and head. After surprising his victim, the assailant was able to get into the car. Mr. Lugo fought back and got between the open driver’s door when the car suddenly took off. Jose grabbed the steering wheel and hung on for dear life as the Jeep sped down Ward Street.
The Jeep struck two parked cars and a fence before finally striking the building and rolling onto its side.
Witnesses reported that Mr. Lugo was thrown in the air as the car rolled, suffering numerous injuries. The car-jacker crawled out of the car and ran out of sight down Walnut Street.
Waterbury ECC dispatched a full rescue assignment to the scene, bringing in Engine 7, Truck 3, Battalion 2 Rescue 9 and the Collapse Truck. Engine 7 quickly arrived and determined that no one was still in the vehicles. Members from Rescue 9 stabilized the Jeep and secured the side porches of the house by replacing a support post that was knocked off its footing by the crash. Battalion 2 requested a rep from the building department to respond and check the condition of the building.
Waterbury Police began a through investigation, closing off the street for few hours before the vehicles could be moved. The case is still under investigation.
BETHLEHEM, CT - A late afternoon high speed t-bone accident on October 15, 2008 would send out the call for the Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department to respond to aid two victims.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Hard Hill Road and Route 132 and would require mutual aid in the form of a second ambulance and rescue truck from Morris to help extricate one victim who was pinned and in serious condition.
It would take the crews almost 30 minutes to free the patient from the badly wrecked Hyundai which had been struck at high speed on the driver's door and ending up off the road and requiring stabilization due to it's position and potential to overturn.
Upon extrication and immobilization by the volunteers the patient was transfered to the care of the waiting Campion ALS unit on scene for transport to Waterbury Hospital with injuries that were determined to be potentially life threatening.
The second driver was removed without extrication by the Bethlehem Fire Ambulance crew and also transported to Waterbury Hospital with less serious injuries.
The accident remains under investigation but a witness to the situation stated that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor to the accident.
October 13, 2008
Rosemount Fire Dept
Rosemount Minnesota
Captain Jim Voelker
After viewing a Res-Q-Jack demo, Rosemount Fire was able to purchase
the jacks thanks to
a donation from AAA Auto Salvage in Rosemount. Two
days after putting the new jacks into
service we were able to utilize
them at a car accident. When we arrived we found an SUV on
its side in
the center median. One person was trapped inside the vehicle. We made the
decision to stabilize the SUV with the
Res-Q-Jacks. The firefighters had the SUV stabilized
and ready for
extrication within 3 minutes. The jacks were extremely quick and easy
to set-up.
They were a great investment for Rosemount Fire with the
help of AAA Auto Salvage.
On 9-13-2008 the Town & Country Fire Dept was
dispatched to a reported car into a building. Upon arrival of Rescue/Engine
1633 the found a White car into the building with structural damage. The Crew
deployed one Lifting strut to stabilize the porch above the car so the car
could be safely removed.
EMS units responded at 1:20 PM for the report of an overturned vehicle with people trapped on I-395 at 6th Street, Southeast.
First arriving units found a Metro Access van with a driver and four passengers on its side in the middle of the roadway East bound 395 just before the I-295 interchange. Three people were already outside the vehicle, but two other people were trapped inside and required full extrication.
Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle with the use of struts and blocks and cut off half the roof in order to safely remove two immobilized patients. A particular challenge was that this van transported special needs passengers, and all had some sort of physical impairment. In all, five people, including the driver, were treated on the scene for potentially serious injuries and transported to various hospitals.
None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening, and MPD was investigating the cause of the accident.
PALMER, NJ - On August 11, 2008 the Forks Fire Department and Fork EMS were dispatched for a roll over accident into the woods on Route 33 in Stockertown. Forks Fire Chief and Forks EMS unit 2581 responded immediately, however, Northampton County Control was unable to pin point the accident location. Forks Chief 2551 found the accident in Palmer Township and requested Palmer Fire Department be dispatched.
Forks Chief 2551 started command and reported a one vehicle accident into the woods approximately 25 feet off highway with one victim entrapped. Upon arrival of Forks Fire Heavy Rescue 2541 the crew went to work placing rescue jacks on the vehicle to stabilize it for patient removal. Palmer Fire Department arrived with a command truck, pumper and a heavy rescue truck to assist.
The victim was placed on a backboard and removed from the rear of the vehicle, placed in a stokes basket and taken up the embankment to an awaiting ambulance. The victim was transported by ground to St. Lukes Trauma Center with minor injuries.
Forks Fire cleared the scene, transferring command to Captain 2754 until the tow company arrived to remove the SUV from the woods. Fork EMS also stayed on scene. All units cleared from the scene after the SUV was removed and placed on a flatbed.
On Sunday July 20th 2008 the Town & Country Fd responded to a 1 car Mvc on State Rt 13Upon arrival of the first unit they found a pickup rollled over with 2 trapped. The dept deployed there Res-Q-Jacks and used the jaws to extricate the victims.in a total of 8 minutes.
During the late evening, units were dispatched to 16th and K streets Northwest for the vehicle overturned with entrapment. Units arrived to find 2 vehicles involved with a ford explorer overturned and 1 patient still in the vehicle.
Tower 3 assisted Rescue Squad 1 with patient stabilization while Rescue Squad 1 removed the roof of the vehicle to access the patient. In all several patients were transported to local hospitals with injuries.
Shortly before 09:00 a.m. on June 29, 2008, Robertsville Fire was dispatched to the scene of a possible extrication to the rear of Marlboro Plaza.
Chief Badler 28-2-66 arrived to find a station wagon underneath a van with the driver still trapped in the vehicle. Heavy Rescue 286 and Rescue Engine 274 went to work stabilizing with their vehicle stabilization jacks as Engine 275 and Utility 287 arrived on scene to help with the extrication. The patient was removed within approximately 30 minutes from Time of Dispatch and placed in the care of the waiting Morganville EMS crew who would transport him to
a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
While the extrication was ongoing the Marlboro PD interviewed witnesses who advised the station wagon hit a dumpster 100 feet away and ricocheted into the parked unoccupied work van. Investigation of the crash is ongoing.
WATERBURY, CT - Shortly before 10:30 p.m. on June 4, 2008, Waterbury Fire was dispatched to the scene of a possible extrication at the intersection of Grove and Prospect Streets.
Engine 10 and Truck 1 arrived to find an SUV on it's side with the driver still trapped in the vehicle. Truck 1 went to work stabilizing the suv with their vehicle stabilization jacks as Rescue 9 arrived on scene to help with the extrication. The patient was removed within approximately 10 minutes and placed in the care of the waiting EMS crew who would transport him to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
While the extrication was ongoing the Waterbury PD interviewed witnesses who gave a description of the fleeing vehicle and by the time the victim was on his way to the hospital they had a black pickup with heavy front end damage which along with it's occupants fit the description from the witnesses. The pickup and it's occupants were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation of the crash.
Around 10:40 Occum and Yantic
responded to 395 NB for a one car rollover with entrapment. The car
flipped end over end and rested on its side in a small wetlands area
off the highway. Crews used the Res-Q-Jacks to stabilize the car and
removed the roof. The occupant was transported to Backus by American.
February 1, 2008
Watkins Glen Fire Dept. Watkins Glen, New York
One car MVA car into a ditch on St rte 14 in Watkins Glen. Driver is trapped in the front seat. Rescue 56 responded to handle the call. Upon arrival Assistant Chief Jud Smith requested the cutters and spreaders to the rear of the vehicle to begin the extrication process. Before that could be accomplished he had the crew set up the RES-Q-JACK adjustable stands on the vehicle to stabilize it. Once that happened the patient was extricated and the scene cleared.
On Monday night just around 11 pm Paramus Ambulance Corp was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Route 17 South Bound in front of Hooters. A subsequent broadcast stated it was an overturned car in the parking lot.
When Police units arrived on scene they found something you would think only happens in the movies. One car was on its side in the slow lane of traffic, and another vehicle was upside down on top of two cars in the parking lot. Paramus Fire Department Engine 3 was called to the scene along with Paramus Rescue for stabilization of the vehicle.
Paramus Rescue Chief Chris Rutishauser arrived on scene and assumed operations, with FD Assistant Chief Tony Capone designated as Incident Command.
The patients had been removed prior to arrival of Paramus Rescue, however the members stabilized the car on top of a car with Rescue Jacks to check the inside of the vehicle for any additional injured people.
All patients were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center with Paramedics on board by Paramus Ambulance Corp.
Chief Capone released all units at approximately 12:30 am after the authorized tow company had removed all vehicles.
March, 19th, 2008
Hamilton Township, NJ
Hamilton Township Fire Department
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ - At 11:17 on March 19th, Mercer County Central
transmitted an MVA with entrapment to Engine 17, Engine 12 and 13 Truck
on Route 33 in the area of Yardville Hamilton Square Road.
Engine 17 arrived to find a two vehicle MVA with one vehicle under the
other. RWJ EMS was treating the drivers of both vehicles. The driver of
the Jeep was still in the vehicle and unable to exit the vehicle due to
its position. Engine 12 and 13 Truck arrived and stabilized the
vehicles and removed the victim. Members of Engine 17 secured the power
sources to both vehicles. Although the injuries appeared to be minor in
nature all victims were transported to local hospitals.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Watkins Glen Fire Department
Watkins Glen, New York
At about 2:30pm on Saturday March 15, 2008 the Watkins Glen Fire Dept was dispatched for automatic mutual aid to the Burdett Fire dept for our Heavy Rescue for a two car MVA with entrapment. 2nd Assistant Chief Judson Smith respond as officer in charge and ordered Rescue 56 to deploy a 3 point side resting stabilization with RES-Q-JACKS for a pick up truck. After that they took the roof off the truck and extricated the victim’s.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Rose Tree Fire Department, Media, PA
On January 29, 2008 Rose Tree Fire Company placed into service the Res-Q-Jack stabilization system on Rescue 73. The officers and company spent a great deal of time researching a jacking / stabilization system that could be used primarily for vehicles on their sides, on their roofs, or in other "awkward" positions. The Res-Q-Jack system was chosen, ordered and we held company level training on the system.
Today at 16:46 hours the Rescue Assignment was dispatched to the US Highway 1 By-Pass for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Due to a severe icing condition, there were various accidents on the highway. Upon entering the highway southbound from N. Providence Rd., Medic 104-9 (Laws), Medic 23 (Riddle Hospital), Ambulance 23-7 (Media Fire Co.), Chief 73-9 (Brown) and Rescue 73 (Rose Tree) worked on a three vehicle accident with three injuries. Chief 73-9 established "By-Pass Command". The rescue crew stabilized one vehicle as EMS attended to the driver. While an assessment was being made regarding the need for extrication, Upper Providence Police reported another motor vehicle accident on the US Highway 1 By-Pass in the Northbound lane between N. Ridley Creek Rd. and N. Orange St. They reported one vehicle on its side with one victim trapped.
EMS decided to do a rapid extrication on the patient in the first accident, which freed Rescue 73. A second due Rescue Company (51-6 from South Media Fire Company) was dispatched automatically (two rescue companies are due during the weekdays for any accidents with entrapment in Upper Providence Twp.).
Utility 73 assisted EMS at the first accident while Rescue 73 and Chief 73-9 responded to the second.
Upon arrival at the second accident, Rescue 73 "went to work"
performing stabilization and primary patient access. All four lanes of
the highway (northbound and southbound) were shut down during the
rescue. Due to the icing conditions, command didn’t want to take any
chance of a passing vehicle losing control into the scene where crews
were working. The Res-Q-Jack system was put in service. The equipment
and training of the crew paid off. The vehicle was stabilized within
minutes of arrival. The crews from Rescue 73 and Rescue 51 worked to
remove the roof so Medics could package the patient.
R-1 responded to a pin job on the north side with two patients trapped in a vehicle on its side. R-1 crew stabilized vehicle with Res-Q-Jacks and assisted E-2, and L-5 with patient removal through windshield. R-1 left scene for a reported structure fire on the south side.
By Chief Donald Love
February 3, 2008
Reese FD, Westminster, MD
On Sunday morning at approx. 9:45 a.m. units were alerted for yet another vehicle overturned on Rt 140 this one at Sullivan Rd. Units from Station 3 arrived to find an SUV on it's side with two occupants inside. Command (Lt 3-4) advised Rescue 9 to stabilize the vehicle with their Res-Q-Jack system and for Squad 6 to assist Engine 32's crew with roof removal. After approx. 10-15 mins. the occupants were removed, evaluated and transported to a local facility with minor injuries. Units cleared by 11 a.m.
Third Plt. R-1 responded to an MVA with a report of persons trapped. Crews were met with single vehicle off the road in and a tree across it's top. Power lines down also complicated the extrication. Res Q Jacks were used to stabilize.
Hempstead, NY Hempstead Fire Department
July 9th, 2007
Hempstead Fire Department used Res-Q-Jack Rescue Struts to stabilize a roof resting vehicle. The stabilization allowed rescue workers to work around the vehicle safely.
An elderly lady was mowing her grass with a larger John Deere mower 4200 model and tried to go under a tree that had fallen. The roll bar on the tractor caught the tree and it dropped approximately three foot coming to rest on the steering wheel and fender of the tractor. The bad news was her hand and arm were between the tree and steering wheel. The tree was approximately 18" in diameter. We wrapped a chain around the tree and used two of the RES-Q-JACK'S to lift the tree and two of the stabilizer jacks to support the tree as we lifted it.
Green Township Volunteer Fire Department
Franklin Furnace, Ohio
1315hrs- Bedford Communications alerted Company 9, Squad 9, and Bedford County Special
Operations Command to Creasey Road in 9’s first due for a report of a male subject pinned by a wall.
Medic 14-9 (career staffing) arrived first to find a house under construction with a male worker covered up to his waist by dirt and debris from a collapsed block wall, pinned against a retaining wall. Engine 9 arrived, established command, and diverted Brush 9 to a nearby location to set up a landing zone for Lifeguard 10 (medivac).
Rescue 1 (with five-three SOC personnel) and Utility 1 (two SOC personnel)arrived and immediatly shored the leaning retaining wall with Res-Q-Jacks until additional equipment (SOC 8-Collapse Unit and TAC-1) could arrive. Personnel quickly worked to free the worker who was also impaled by rebar during the collapse.
The worker was freed and then packaged and transported by Medic 14-8 to the LZ where Lifeguard 10 flew the subject to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Both Company 1 units returned to service at 1415hrs.