25/March/2013 – MVC with Cardiac Arrest – “B” Shift

Incident # 13-01555 – Engine 26 and Medic 26 responded to a high speed single vehicle MVC on Ruffin Road west of Big Hill Road Monday afternoon 25-March at 14:48. The eastbound small Chevrolet pickup truck left the roadway on a straight section of the secondary road, crossed over into the westbound lane before striking a driveway culvert. The truck became airborne, then struck several trees, receiving heavy damage.  The 73 year old male driver is suspected of suffering a medical emergency just prior to the crash. Bystanders stopped and removed him from the vehicle. They stated he was semiconscious after the accident, but went into cardiac arrest shortly after they arrived. The bystanders began performing CPR until Firefighter-Paramedics arrived. A second ambulance was assigned to the incident due the man’s wife being injured. She was a front seat passenger in the truck. She was wearing a seatbelt, but suffered non-life threatening traumatic injuries. 

Medic 26’s crew continued resuscitative efforts on the male patient at the scene and during transport to Colleton Medical Center. The man did not survive. Medic 19 treated and transported his wife to Colleton Medical Center as well. The SC Highway Patrol and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the accident.

Engine 26, Medic 19, Medic 26, Car 105 and Car 107 responded. Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan Eadon served as Incident Commander.