CCFR August 10 2009

Stations 1, 19, 26 and 27 responded to a high speed truck accident at the intersection of Robertson Blvd and Rivers Street Monday morning 10-August at 0913. Medic 27 reported on arrival that a garbage truck was overturned with the driver trapped and a dump truck was in the ditch with heavy damage. Medic 27’s crew split up to treat the drivers of both vehicles until other units arrived. Both driver’s suffered head injuries. An additional Engine and Medic unit were assigned to the call and two medical helicopters were requested. Due to close proximity to the Lowcountry Regional Airport, the medical helicopters were directed to land there. Engine 26 coordinated the LZ at the Airport.

Engine 1 and Rescue 1 began the extrication on the overturned garbage truck using two sets of Holmatro Rescue tools. Two sets of cutters were deployed. The heavy gauge front loading lifting arms presented some extrication challenges. The arms encompass the cab, but were displaced when the truck overturned. The lower portion of one arm went through the windshield damaging the dash. Crews cut away several protective guards and support bars before being able to work on the “A” and “B” posts. The rear storage box on

	Stations 1, 19, 26 and 27 responded to a high speed truck accident at the intersection of Robertson Blvd and Rivers Street Monday morning 10-August at 0913. Medic 27 reported on arrival that a garbage truck was overturned with the driver trapped and a dump truck was in the ditch with heavy damage. Medic 27’s crew split up to treat the drivers of both vehicles until other units arrived. Both driver’s suffered head injuries. An additional Engine and Medic unit were assigned to the call and two medical helicopters were requested. Due to close proximity to the Lowcountry Regional Airport, the medical helicopters were directed to land there. Engine 26 coordinated the LZ at the Airport. Engine 1 and Rescue 1 began the extrication on the overturned garbage truck using two sets of Holmatro Rescue tools. Two sets of cutters were deployed. The heavy gauge front loading lifting arms presented some extrication challenges. The arms encompass the cab, but were displaced when the truck overturned. The lower portion of one arm went through the windshield damaging the dash. Crews cut away several protective guards and support bars before being able to work on the “A” and “B” posts. The rear storage box on
	the truck prevented firefighters from using the hydraulic tools to completely severe the “B” posts, so the job was completed with the use of reciprocating saws. After approximately 25 minutes the roof was folded down to allow for safe extrication of the driver. The man lost a great deal of blood, so treatment included dual IV lines and rapid transport to meet with the helicopter. The dump truck driver was airlifted by Lifenet 3. Omniflight transported the second patient. Both men were flown to the Trauma Center at MUSC in Charleston. Traffic on Roberson Blvd. was closed for 2-1/2 hours until wrecker companies righted the vehicle and removed both trucks. Engine 1, Engine 19, Engine 26, Rescue 1, Medic 19, Medic 27, Battalion 1 and Truck 16 responded. Battalion Chief Richard Sheffield served as Incident Commander.