Technical Extrication in London Grove TWP

At 2300 hrs on June 18, 2010 The West Grove Fire Company Stations 12 & 22 were dispatched to the 100 block of School house Rd in London Grove Township for a Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC). Shortly after dispatch the Chester County Fireboard upgraded the incident to a MVC with reported occupants trapped inside the vehicle. Southern Chester County Medic 94-1 & 94-2 and Avondale Fire Company ambulance were added to the assignment.

Deputy Chief 22 (Wood) and Lieutenant 22 (Sweeney) were the first arriving officers on the scene and confirmed the initial reports of two victims trapped, and a electrical pole sheared off at the base with unsecured wires hanging overhead. After the impact with the pole the vehicle rolled on its side and came to rest between a post and rail fence and large tree. One of the victims arm was found pinned beneath the vehicle and the other victim was entangled within. Deputy 22 established School House Road Command and Lieutenant 22 assumed extrication operations. PECO was requested to the scene priority 1 for the hazardous energized power lines dangling above the scene.

Rescue 22 (Vattilana) and Medic 94-1 arrived on the scene shortly after dispatch. Rescue 22 crews worked to quickly stabilized the unsteady vehicle and remove the first victim emergently through the front windshield. Ambulance 22-1 and Medic 94-1 transported the victim to Christiana Hospital. Once the first victim was extricated, crews were faced with a complex extrication of the second victim who had a arm pinned beneath the vehicle. Rescue 12 (Price) arrived on the scene and assisted with further stabilization, by securing the vehicle to the neighboring tree utilizing; chains, 15,000 lb winch and come-a-long. Rescue 22 crew prepared high pressure lifting airbags beneath the rear of the vehicle in order to lift the heavy load from the victim's arm. Under a coordinated effort the West Grove Volunteers were able to lift the vehicle from the ground while simultaneously pulling the vehicle toward the adjacent tree to free the victim from beneath the vehicle. Once the arm was free the roof was removed with the Jaw's of life and the victim was successfully extricated. During the lift Medic 94-2 requested Skycare -1 helicopter to the scene due the lengthy extrication. The second victim was transported to Christiana Hospital by air for evaluation. Both victims are currently listed under stable condition at the hospital.

The scene was turned over to PSP Avondale at 0100 hours and command was terminated.

See ABC news for more details at the link below: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=7507752