05/November/2014 – Farming Accident with Air Evac – “A” Shift 

Incident # 14-06483 – A 63 year old man was severely injured in a farming accident after his arm was caught in a corn picker implement. The accident was reported at 11:24 advising the man was trapped in the farm implement and was in a field off of the 20000 blk of Lowcountry Highway south of Ruffin. Medic 18 and Engine 18 were met near the location and escorted to the scene by person in another vehicle. The field was located approx. ¾ mile off of the highway down a narrow dirt path. Engine 18 was left on the highway, while Medic 18 attempted to reach the scene. Firefighter-Paramedics were able to get within 200 yards of the accident, but had to leave the ambulance at the edge of the field. Crews reported the man was heavily entrapped, with his arm between and below two metal rollers with less than 1/4 inch of clearance. They began treatment and advised other units of the tools need, so they could be ferried to the field in pickup trucks. A medical helicopter was also requested. LifeNet 4 landed at the Bells Elementary School and the Flight Crew was transported to the scene to assist with patient care.

Engine 7, Engine 18, Rescue 1, Rescue 18 and Car 119 were left on Lowcountry Highway. Hydraulic rescue tools, hand tools and power tools were brought to the scene in 4x4 pickup trucks. Other neighboring farmers also responded to the scene with a variety of tools and their expertise with the equipment was invaluable. Firefighter-Paramedics treated his injuries with a tourniquet, multiple IV lines and pain medications, until his arm was freed. Then bandages and splinting were applied. A combined effort to free the man lasted an hour. He was transported out of the field on a six wheeler to reach the ambulance, then transported to the Bells Elementary school to be transferred to the helicopter. LifeNet 4 flew the man to the Trauma Center at MUSC in Charleston.  

Engine 7, Engine 18, Medic 18, Rescue 1, Rescue 18, Battalion 1, Car 105, Car 116 and Car 119 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.