Our engine and ambulance arrived on scene of a single overturned vehicle and the female EMT was attending to the lone male patient. He said he was not injured and did not wish to be treated. A smell of alcohol was noticed. The Sheriff's office arrived and began a sobriety test. At this point a semi automatic handgun was removed from the occupant’s waist band under his shirt. He had a permit and was not cited for DUI. No further action was necessary and our services were no longer needed.
LESSONS LEARNED:
Even though we will certainly miss things for one reason or another, we must at least prepare for every possible scenario. The female EMT always kept her distance and never turned her back on the man. She waited for the engine crew followed shortly by the Sheriff's Office and then she proceeded to make contact.

Our Rescue responded to a single vehicle MVA into a tree with multiple entrapments. While the Rescue is doing walk around car to check for hazards and injuries a FF stands on driver’s side of car and a loose tree branch swings and hits him in the back, driving him into the car. The 10 inch thick branch is removed by rescue and engine company FF’s and the FF was treated and removed to ER by EMS. Five hours later he is still being tested in the hospital for back, neck, and shoulder injuries. His turnout gear cushioned some of the blow and helmet save his head.

Lessons Learned: Obviously turnout gear is a must on all calls and we need to widen our safety check prior to beginning rescue evolutions.

On Saturday May 2, 2009 Milton Fire-Rescue, Milton Police, and Frisbie Memorial Hospital EMS responded to a 911 dispatch of a male, unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, the 40 year old male was found deceased in a basement bedroom of his home. Family members indicated that the deceased was experiencing “flu-like” symptoms prior to his collapse. Another resident in the home was also complaining of “flu-like” symptoms. Frisbie Hospital Paramedics immediately contacted their supervisor to request current medical protocol for H1N1 flu. While on the phone with their supervisor, the paramedics’ carbon monoxide meter alarmed. The level of carbon monoxide that was recorded was 800 parts per million (PPM). All occupants of the building were immediately evacuated, including all First Responders. Carbon monoxide oximetry was assessed on everyone who had been inside the building and all were positive for exposure. Two of the First Responders were positive despite having been in the building for a very short period of time. All occupants with elevated carbon monoxide levels were treated on scene and one was transported to Frisbie.

Lessons Learned: Single gas CO meters on EMS bags alerted crew to dangerous environment. CO is a danger we have to protect our responders from.

In an attempt to secure the battery of a vehicle involved in an MVA, we cut the positive cable. While moving the two ends of the cable away from each other the battery shorted out and exploded. This sprayed battery acid all over the upper body of my firefighter and the left side of myself. Acid got in his eyes and mouth and on the rest of his face, top of his head and arms. He even felt like he inhaled some of the mist. The cable was cut because we were unable to access either terminal to disconnect them.

Lessons Learned: There were a few that were learned and/or sternly reinforced: First, accurately assess the need to disconnect the battery in the first place. The patient had self extricated and we were merely securing the battery to prevent a potential problem. Second, wear full PPE including eye pro and helmet; regrettably, we did not. Third, always, always, always disconnect the negative first, and if you can't access it leave the battery alone!

A firefighter was rushed to a local hospital Friday evening, after a car rolled off a tow truck and pinned him against a house.

The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue, in the South Norfolk section. Fire crews originally responded to a call for a car into a house at that location. The fire department told 13News that the driver of a white Audi lost control and slammed into the house.

As the car was loaded onto a tow truck, it broke loose and pinned the firefighter against the house. Crews rushed him to the hospital with minor injuries.

No one else suffered any injuries, and no one was home at the time. The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation.

This accident occured in the City of Atlanta taken by Grady EMS Captain. Dr. Jeff Salomone (Grady Trauma Surgery) & Dr. Dan Wu (Grady Emergency Medicine, front of picture) on scene with Atlanta Fire Rescue and Grady EMS.

Pt underwent a long and careful extrication with surgical support/direction on site.  The driver was impaled in the neck.  The patient was sedated with ketamine during the lengthy extrication and transported to Grady.

As we have always been taught to do our 360 of an incident no matter what it may be. Walking around a building that is on fire, inspecting completely. Walking around the scene of a MVC etc... Always remember and be aware of all aspects, not just around and above the vehicles, but also below. The victims that were involved in the MVC last night of which we ran at the intersection of Brink Meyer and Hickory were very lucky! Sure the 360 revealed moderate damage to the vehicle with broken front axle and wheel, no obstructions above the vehicle, yet a very dangerous issue below. This vehicle had overtaken a KCP&L junction box where high voltage power lines are connected together below ground. While inspecting this from a distance with a flash light, law enforcement states it\'s OK, its only a grinder pump for the sewers. KCP&L were ordered, and the vehicle was off limits from that point forward until KCP&L gave the go ahead. KCP&L arrived disconnected power to the area which de-energized the box, the vehicle was removed and EVERYONE WENT HOME. My complements to my FAO for a keen eye of always being aware and bringing forward the concerning findings. This could have been a horrible incident, because there were 3 adults and a baby in this vehicle of which all exited the vehicle prior to our arrival. All 6 people could have been dead on the ground prior to our arrival, because KCP&L stated there were 7000 volts traveling through that box, and contact with any part inside would have energized the vehicles which was only missed by inches. BE SAFE, GO HOME!

Lessons Learned:

Always be aware of your surroundings both above your head and around your feet.

Courtesy of WOOD-TV

 

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- An ambulance and a police cruiser were damaged early Sunday morning in a strange series of drunk driving accidents.

A Kalamazoo County dispatcher told 24 Hour News 8 that the string of crashes began around 4 a.m. when an ambulance stopped near the intersection of Green Meadow and Drake Road to check the well-being of a driver who had lost control of his car and ended up in a ditch.

The 31-year-old Kalamazoo man driving that car was arrested for drunk driving, but while the ambulance was stopped, it was struck head-on by another drunk driver.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's department officials said that driver is an unidentified woman who was driving a black Honda Accord or Civic.

She hit the ambulance so hard that a large portion of her car was torn off. The woman fled the scene and hit the ambulance several more times in the process. Police say they suspect she was severely intoxicated.

County sheriffs responded to the car hitting the ambulance to investigate, but shortly after they arrived, just before 6 a.m., a third drunk driver in the area hit a police cruiser, disabling the vehicle.

That driver, a 26-year-old Hopkins man, tried to run from officers, but was caught after a pursuit. He was charged with drunk driving and fleeing and eluding police officers.

County dispatchers said the cruiser is not drivable.

Law enforcement officials are still looking for the female driver of the black Honda Civic or Accord that hit the ambulance. The car has substantial damage to the front end.

If you have any information about the driver, you are asked to call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department or Silent Observer.

Republished with permission of WOOD-TV.

On 7-18-2008 @ 0051 hrs. (Inc. # 8170202) R28 responded to a 28 YOF CX/SOB, VERY 408. Upon arrival R28 was met by a black gentleman who waved for us to follow him to the front door of his home. While following him down the sidewalk towards the front door, I asked him what is going on and how can we help, he responded by pointing to the upstairs and making no verbal communication, I thought he might be mute or deaf, or both. Upon entering the home and making a left turn to proceed upstairs I could smell alcohol reeking from the gentleman. About halfway up the stairs he shouted out to someone, “baby I have help coming." R28 and AMR followed the gentleman down the hallway to the restroom where we found a middle aged woman assisting a 28 yo WFA sitting on the bathroom floor, short of breath wrapped in a sheet. I began my assessment by asking questions about what had brought this on, how long ago this began, were you eating anything, do you itch, do you have hives, etc…..all of the answers either came from the middle aged woman or the black gentleman. Approximately 5-7 minutes into the assessment the black gentleman who was standing outside of the bathroom with the other female, made a very loud banging noise and shouted, “I called for fucking help and all you want to do is bullshit." Jason Smith from AMR asked his partner (Alex Lozano) to calm down the man because we were making progress calming down our patient. As Alex was explaining to the gentleman what was going on, I heard the gentleman yell, "I am going to kill you mother fuckers"………then repeated himself 3 times. I felt since I was running the call and had been the medic talking with the patient that maybe I could help him understand that our patient was simply hyperventilating. I removed myself from the bathroom and began talking with the man, leaving our patient with Chris Cave and Jason Smith. While explaining the condition of our patient to him he walked past me screaming, " I am going to kill you mother fuckers." I followed him down the hallway trying to calm him. Once he entered the master bedroom I stopped and observed his actions while positioning myself behind the bedroom door. I observed him open the top nightstand drawer, reach in and pull out a handgun. His wife entered the room screaming for him to stop. He threw the gun back into the drawer and slammed the drawer shut. He then walked over to me very fast, bent his ® elbow up into my face and stated, "I can kill you with this," and proceeded to strike me in the face with his ® elbow. At this point I began to protect myself by trying to grab him but he slipped from my grip and ran towards the nightstand. This is when I chased him and began taking any and every action to keep him from getting his gun. During the altercation he had grabbed my throat and began choking, punching and scratching me, I then felt other people assisting me in taking him to the ground. Once on the ground we (R28/AMR) restrained him by holding him down until metro arrived. He continued to resist our efforts while yelling obscenities. I called dispatch on channel 6 to expedite metro because a man had pulled a gun and we were not code 4. R28 and AMR crews physically restrained him until metro's arrival. Upon metro’s arrival they handcuffed him and asked me were the gun was located. I told them it was in the nightstands top drawer. The officer opened the drawer and found a 9mm handgun with a full magazine and one round in the chamber. After the incident, R28 and AMR crews were asked by metro to fill out an incident report. In addition, Metro took pictures of my injuries for their records. Once I had calmed down I could feel that I had some injuries to my ® hand/wrist, abrasions to my neck, jaw pain, difficulty swallowing and (L) elbow edema. Battalion 6, 271 and Capt. Randy Bradshaw were notified via cell phone. I felt it was in my best interest to seek medical attention due to being choked. Battalion 6 was informed that I was going to UMC trauma for evaluation. R28 transported me to UMC. I was released back to full duty with abrasions and strains. I am very grateful this incident concluded with a positive outcome. I have also learned a very valuable lesson, always be prepared for anything anytime. 

LESSONS LEARNED:
Always make situational awareness and scene safety your priorty on the must mundane calls.

 

An Engine Company responded to an elderly man suffering from a diabetic emergency. Upon arrival, the emergency crew found a man sitting in his recliner. After initial assessment of the patient, he was diagnosed to be hypoglycemia. When the crew approached the patient, there was no weapon or items that could be used for a weapon present in the room. Emergency personnel treated patient for approximately 5 minutes without any problems. When emergency personnel began the actual treatment process the patient reached into his recliner (cushion or side pocket) and pulled out a handgun. He began to waive the gun in the air and toward emergency personnel. The initial reactions were to quickly remove themselves from the scene to avoid being shot. After all emergency personnel were clear of the structure; a radio call was made to dispatch for Police to respond. The patient’s wife who was still in the house eventually removed the gun from the patient’s hand and brought it outside to show emergency personnel. The crew advised her to keep the gun and the Police Department was arriving to get the firearm and secure the patient so emergency personnel could reenter the scene. No persons were injured on the emergency scene including the patient. LESSONS LEARNED: • People can function differently with low blood sugar depending on the person. Doo not take for granite the person’s capability. This patient was able to remember where his defense weapon was and able to pull it out of the chair and point it at emergency personnel. • Constantly check scene for items that could become a weapon, and remove them from the patient(s) reach. • Know where you exit is at all times and keep the pathway clear to avoid delay in exiting the structure. • Gain as much about the patient medical history and current situation and compare the information to the patient’s normal status to get the “big picture”. • When determining scene safety and stabilization, remember the saying you learned “me, us, them” and attempt to apply it to the situation. Always look after yourself and your team’s safety and then comes the person(s) receiving care.

My dept was only a cover assignment for this structural call yesterday: But when we heard over the radio - "Chief do I understand you have a man down there?" sent chills down all our spines. Just thought you should know that Dave Beatty went down right at the bus at the scene and they immediately started CPR and cardioversion X 3. Dave was rescucitated by EMS on the scene and transported. He came back enough to try and fight off the rescuers and his O2 mask. This is all we know at this point - all second and third hane mind you but still too close for comfort. A very lucky firefighter. LESSONS LEARNED: Always have EMS on the scene for any reported structure for the FD. If you need more for civilians then get additional resources to the scene.

I am a full-time firefighter in a small (pop. 23,000) city in the Northeast. Our department provides fire and emergency medical coverage with 3 engines, a tower, and a rescue truck. My engine, staffed with a lieutenant, a driver, and a tailman (me) was dispatched to a fairly common call, a male threatening suicide. We responded to a city-owned apartment building for disabled and elderly tenants, and staged on the street, waiting for word that PD had secured the scene. We monitored the police frequency and heard them request a city housing employee respond to the scene with a master key. Our platoon chief, who was monitoring the call from his vehicle offered our services to access the lock box on the building and deliver our master key. PD agreed, and we retrieved the master key and drove around the building to the entry door we use on our frequent calls to this location. As we came around the corner, we saw six cruisers in the rear parking lot, and at the same time PD called for a signal 1000 (radio silence). Our collective antennae went up at this point, and before our lieutenant could deliver the master key, PD called to dispatch, telling them to advise the fire department to get their truck out of the parking lot immediately, as they are in the danger zone. We moved our truck out of the lot and staged again, further down the street. Not long after that, we were advised by dispatch that the scene was secure and that PD was requesting us. We still had not been advised of the nature of the situation, so we grabbed all our medical gear and headed for the elevator. We met two detctives at the elevator and asked them what was going on. They said they didn't know any more than we did, they had been requested to respond with a camera. On arrival on the third floor, PD advised us we were not needed, the subject had been successful in the suicide attempt. At that point, we were told that the subject had used a firearm. My lieutenant filed a report to our chief, asking why we had never been infomed of the presence of a firearm at this scene. An investigation showed that even though procedure calls for all information to be shared by PD abd FD, one of the dispatchers made the decision on their own not to notify us about the firearm, citing concerns about people with scanners hearing confidential information over the air. The dispatcher was disciplined, and the policy of full information sharing was reinforced to all personnel. LESSONS LEARNED: From now on, we make sure to ask dispatch about the presence of firearms on calls where they may be a possibility. If there is any doubt, we know we can call PD directly on their frequency to verify scene security. Don't put yourselves in the line of fire if there is any doubt that the scene is safe. Don't be afraid to ask questions and step on toes, if necessary.

On February 23, 2008 at 0248 hours Station 92, Deptford EMS and an ALS unit were dispatched to Almonesson Road in the area of Lakeview Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Battalion Chief Rich Thomas (9201) signed on responding and received an update message from the communications center advising of a single vehicle crash, off the road, and the driver cannot get out. B/C Thomas arrived on location and reported a one vehicle crash with the vehicle off the road, lying on its side into trees. B/C Thomas found two patients, the driver standing outside the vehicle and the other, a front seat passenger, inside the vehicle heavily entrapped. B/C Thomas requested two BLS units and an ALS unit. B/C Thomas gave orders for responding Engine 921, which is a Squad Company, carrying a full set of extrication tools and other specialty equipment, to set up the light tower for lighting and prepare to go into service for extrication. Orders were given to Engine 922 to set up fire suppression and to assist the crew of Engine 921 with stabilization. The vehicle was northbound on Almonesson Road and left the travel portion of the roadway and struck trees with the passenger side of the vehicle. This resulting collision with the trees caused a severe intrusion into the passenger compartment through the passenger door pushing the seat-belted passenger into the rear seat still in her seat, entrapping her from the chest down with the door, roof, floorboard, driver’s seat, and the trees. The vehicle came to rest suspended in the air on its passenger side by the two trees which broke and bent over. The vehicle was wrapped around the trees which kept the vehicle from going into Little Timber Creek. B/C Thomas climbed down to the front of the vehicle and started to talk the driver, who very hysterical and screaming to the passenger inside the vehicle. B/C Thomas ordered the crew of Engine 921 to bring the stabilization “Crutches” to the vehicle. The vehicle needed to be secured before any extrication could be started. B/C Thomas along with Firefighter/EMT Melissa Gaughan removed the driver from beneath the vehicle and she was turned over to EMS. B/C Thomas then accessed the vehicle including the stability and prepared a plan for extrication. B/ C Thomas asked County Communications to re-tone his station for additional firefighters as his crew status was only at seven. B/C Thomas ordered Firefighter Brian Buck, who was driving Engine 921, to prepare the winch cable on the front of 921 for use as stabilization. F/F Buck accomplished this task with the use of Engine 923, which had arrived with three firefighters, which brought the staffing to ten. F/F Buck used rigging to change the direction of the cable from the front of 921 to a tow hook at the rear of 923. The cable was then secured to the vehicle. This prevented the vehicle from traveling onto its roof. Two stabilization crutches were placed at the rear of the vehicle and secured. B/C Thomas continued his assessment of the vehicle and asked communications to dispatch the local towing company with their large tow truck that would have a crane that could reach over to secure the vehicle. The crews continued to prepare for this difficult extrication and three ground ladders were brought to the vehicle to assist with the extrication. B/C Thomas and Lieutenant Dave McIntyre started the process of removing the bent roof. An “O” Cutter and glass master tool were placed into service. B/C Thomas, who had climbed the fallen tree, removed the windshield as Lt. McIntyre started cutting the roof posts. Firefighters Gaughan and Ken Snyder, who were now working off ground ladders on the opposite side of the vehicle, brought the “32” spreaders with them. The crew was unable to open the door and it would have to “popped”. The ladder was footed by Firefighter George Frank, who arrived with Engine 923. The remainder of the crew of 923 were tasked with fire protection and had stretched a 1 ¾ “. At this time B/C Thomas asked County Communications to dispatch an Engine from the Almonesson Station. This dispatch brought Engine 932 from the Almonesson Station and Engine 931 from the Good Intent Road Station. The combined staffing of these engines were 8. The department’s Safety Officer was also on location. B/C Thomas then special called Quint 946 as this apparatus carried a Hurst Maverick Tool. B/C Thomas wanted to use this tool to “pop” the driver’s door. Quint 946 had an extended response time and B/ C Thomas special called the rescue from the Westville Fire Department. During this time, B/C Thomas and F/F Gaughan and F/F Snyder worked as a team, lifting the ‘32” spreader into position to “pop” the driver’s door. This task was accomplished after lifting the setting the spreader into position six times. The door was opened and lifted to the open position. After re-assessing the vehicle again, B/C Thomas requested the “airbag” protection device. The steering wheel air bag had not deployed and crews were unable to de-energize the vehicle. The airbag protection device was installed and the extrication continued on. At this time the driver’s door was pushed to its fullest open position and it was used as a platform for B/C Thomas to get inside the vehicle to assess the passenger. She was found to be conscious but severely injured. B/C Thomas then called for the “30” and both “60” rams to be brought to the vehicle. Lt. McIntyre was still working on the three roofs posts assessable from the ground. F/F Buck was summoned to the vehicle and used a portable ground ladder to gain access with B/C Thomas. Engines 932 and 931 had arrived and their crews were ordered forward to assist. Lieutenant Bob Taylor from Engine 932 took over as the Incident Commander since B/C Thomas was involved in the extrication and acting in the capacity of the operations officer. Firefighter Justin Skacel climbed down to the ladders to foot the second ladder. The Westville Fire Department Rescue arrived at this time and they were ordered to bring forward their rescue tools. The task of removing the roof was completed and further access to the patient was obtained at this time. B/C Thomas removed himself from the extrication operation and advised F/F/EMT Gaughan to take his spot inside the vehicle. B/ C Thomas climbed down from the vehicle and made his way to Lt. Taylor where a “Transfer of Command” took place. Lt Taylor was placed in charge of the operation. The crew of the Westville Rescue, placed addition support crutches at the rear of the vehicle. The extrication was well over an hour old and the passenger was still well entrapped. The crews of Engine 921 and Rescue 738 continued their extrication process. One of the issues facing the rescue personnel on the ground at the vehicle was that the tide was now coming in. The rescue personnel that were on the ground were now in knee deep water. This water was hampering the footing of the personnel and the water was rising. Inside the vehicle there were two “60” rams and a “32” spreader with extension tips making the tool have a 40” spread in service. At this time the winch cable from 921 went lax. B/C Thomas advised Lt. Taylor of this and advised him that the actions inside the vehicle were having a reaction of the vehicle had moved. The crews inside the vehicle were advised of observations from the outside and advised that the vehicle would need to be re-stabilized. Before this re-stabilization could be accomplished the vehicle slid down the tree, landing back on its wheels. There were six firefighters on the back side of the vehicle operating off of ladders, footing ladders, and operating inside the vehicle. B/C Thomas immediately notified county communication of the vehicle sliding off of the tree and advised that there were firefighters trapped. B/C Thomas requested two additional BLS units and an additional ALS unit. He advised that a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) was being completed. B/C Thomas also asked for Chief of Department Steve Hubbs be notified. In approximately two minutes all six firefighters were accounted for and two were injured. Firefighters George Frank and Justin Skacel were removed from the vehicle and onto the roadway were they were treated by EMS. Firefighter Ken Snyder who was working on a ground ladder managed to jump off the ladder and away from the vehicle, landing in waist deep water, he returned to the vehicle and continued the extrication process. Firefighter/EMT Melissa Gaughan rode the vehicle down and had her right leg temporarily trapped under the car. Due to the water and mud, she freed her leg and continued her treatment of the passenger. Firefighter Brian Buck, who was inside the vehicle, rode it down and then when the car settled, he continued the extrication process. Lieutenant Dave McIntyre, who was on a ground ladder, outside the vehicle leaned away as the vehicle slid down the tree. Lt. McIntyre, now in waist deep water continued the extrication process. The PAR was completed and the extrication process continued. Firefighter Bryant Fiddler was tasked to the vehicle and to assist with the extrication and removal of the passenger. During this time the passenger was freed, loaded onto a backboard and then a stokes basket and lifted from the car. The passenger was turned over to EMS and was transported to the Trauma Center. Seventeen minutes after the car sliding off of the tree, the passenger was removed and the extrication completed. It was now 1 hour and 48 minutes into the job. B/C Thomas summoned all officers and crews to the front of Engine 921 and advised everyone that there will be a 15 minute break in the operation and he wanted everyone to take a moment and get something to drink. After the 15 minute break, all equipment would be p...  [  more  ]  

We were responding to a reported gunshot wound to the head. Our dispatch told us that the patient was still breathing and that police was on scene. I tried to verify with dispatch that the scene was secure with no avail. The address turned out to be at the end of a long driveway and I made the decision that with police on scene and this being a suspected suicide that we could drive all the way up to the scene. Of course when we got to the house there was no police. I got out of the rig and an obviously distraught RP met me in the driveway. I asked him what he had and before he said anything he turned and walked back towards the house. I naturally followed him to the patient. When my crew and I got to the patient he still had a loaded 38 caliber pistol in his hand and was in fact breathing. The initial decision was made that we would not treat the patient until the police arrived and removed the pistol, although after a few minutes of waiting I grew frustrated and asked the RP if he was comfortable with removing the gun. He shook his head and proceeded into the room. I followed him in and came up behind and secured the patient's arm as the RP removed the gun. With the gun gone we began to treat the patient. When police did arrive on scene I told him right away that the gun was removed by the RP and where it was now. The officer said OK and went about his business. We treated and transported a viable patient who later died in the ER. My crew and I sat down afterwards to debrief, and with details of the call being brought out it was apparent that we may have stumbled on to a murder scene. We later learned that there was a note and it was in fact ruled a suicide by PD. LESSONS LEARNED: First, I got tunnel visioned by the fact that I have followed hundreds of RPs into a house towards a patient. We absolutely should have waited the extra 7 minutes until PD did arrive before we entered the house. Second, Putting the RP in the position of having us not treat his family member and him removing the gun wasn't wise. He's going to make the decision that helps his family member the most. We didn't know the RP or if he had any experience with guns. On top of the fact that if we had been walking in on a murder/staged suicide then we just put the weapon back into a suspect's hands. Always verify that the scene is secure. No matter how badly you want to treat that patient. Nothing happened this time, but I feel sick for having put my crew into that position.

A neighbor of mine is the subject of this link below about a firefighter that has a heart attack behind the wheel of his ambulance, transporting another heart attack victim to the ER. I visited with him yesterday and he is waiting for his heart doctor to release him so he can get back on duty. LESSONS LEARNED: He was aware of his condition and arrival to the ER couldn't have been timed better.