Rescue Squad 3 Responds to
La Plata for Extrication Job

December 28, 2003 0030hrs:

Just as units were clearing a call on the northside of Waldorf, Communications dispatched Rescue Squad 3 to assist La Plata Company 1 with a motor vehicle collision with subjects trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene and setup highlift jacks to stabilize the vehicle. The patient was pinned in the front passenger seat with major trauma to his lower extremities. After assessing the situation, it was determined that the best method of removing the patient was to cut down the small tree the passenger door was wrapped around and remove the door. The Squad crew used Come-a-longs and chains to secure the vehicle to several trees to provide addition stabilization before the tree was removed. After the door was removed, a small 18" Ram was placed inside the floorboard and a second 18" Ram was placed in the remains of the wheel well area. Together, the two rams pushed the dashboard and engine wall off the patient's legs and he was removed from the vehicle. The patient was flown to an area trauma center by MSP Trooper 2. Total time from the arrival of the first Engine until the patient was free of the vehicle was approximately 40 minutes. Rescue Squad 3 cleared the scene and returned to quarters at 0146hrs.

Original Dispatch: La Plata Engine 11 and Engine 12, Charles County Rescue Squad 517, and Waldorf Ambulance 39.

Extircation Dispatch: Rescue Squad 3, Medic 1, and MSP Trooper 2.