Incident # 20-08723 - An adult male received critical injuries when his oxygen mask exploded and caught fire while the man was smoking. A family member called 9-1-1 after finding the man on the floor of his residence, experiencing trouble breathing. Firefighter-Paramedics arrived at the home in the 2700 block of Sidneys Road and found the man with severe respiratory problems. Upon exam they found the man had burns to his face and airway. Some articles in the home were also burned and the oxygen mask was melted. He was quickly moved to Fire-Rescue Medic 19 where advanced airway maneuvers were performed to secure his airway. A medical helicopter was also requested. Medic 19, with additional personnel on board to assist with patient care, transported the man emergent to the helipad at Colleton Medical Center to meet with the C.A.R.E. Flight helicopter. He was transferred to the Flight Crew, then flown to the Burn Center at MUSC in Charleston.
Engine 19, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Car 112 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.
