07/05/2012 – MVC with entrapment & air evacuation – “C” Shift

Incident # 12-03625 – An alert northbound driver aided in getting help to two injured people Thursday morning 5-July at 08:47. A West Virginia couple were driving northbound near the 56 mile marker when one of the occupants thought she saw a car drive off into the woods. The couple got off at Exit 57, then drove back to the 56 mile marker southbound to find car tracks leading into the woods. Upon inspection, they found a yellow Mazda in the woods. The small car received heavy damage after striking a tree. It was not visible from the road due to the heavy brush. If they had not returned to look for the car, it is doubtful anyone would have seen it from the highway. The driver’s door impacted a large tree causing approximately two feet of intrusion into the car. The driver’s seat and steering wheel were crushed from the impact. The adult male driver received multiple traumatic injuries and a suspected head injury. He was trapped in the wreckage. An adult female received minor injuries and an infant who was secured in a child safety seat was not injured. 

The female was able to exit the car with the baby. Firefighter-Paramedics began treating the man in the vehicle. Crewmembers used Holmatro Rescue Tools to remove the driver’s door, which allowed access to the patient. He was immobilized with full spinal precautions before being moved to a Medic Unit. A medical helicopter stationed at Colleton Medical Center was placed on standby. Medic 1 transported the mother and child to the CMC ED, while Medic 26 transported the driver directly to the helipad to meet with LifeNet 4. The patient as transferred, then flown to the Trauma Center at MUSC. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 26, Medic 1, Medic 26, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 109 and Car 118 responded. Deputy Chief David Greene served as Incident Commander.