Responded to a multiple vehicle crash as a Paramedic for a Private Ambulance Service. Upon arrival the Engine crew was actively do vehicle extrication using their combi tool. Only one Engine was dispatched and no additional resources were requested. My partner went to the car that the firefighters were working on and I went to the other two cars to check on possible injuries. Finding only minor injuries I proceded to the drivers side of the extrication vehicle and opened the door. I observed the motor was running so I reached in to turn off the ignition, the engine shut off but the key would not turn completely off. The vehicle was in Drive and the elderly driver had her foot on the brake. LESSONS LEARNED: Extrication starts with proper vehicle stabilization and vehicle safety. If this elderly driver would have taken her foot off the brake, who knows how many people would have gotten hurt. Proper vehicle extrication should also include the additional resources to handle all the functions at a motor vehicle crash.

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