Accident with 2 Trapped on SR 896
 
By Fire Chief Justin Gattorno
May 12, 2018
 

On Saturday May 12th, 2018 at 1548 the West Grove Fire Company was dispatched to the area of Newark Rd (SR 896) and Mill House Drive for an accident with unknown injuries. Within minutes, after the Chester County 911 center received multiple reports about the accident, the call was upgraded to an Accident w/ Entrapment which added Medic 94.

Ambulance 22-1 arrived and confirmed that there was entrapment, with the driver of each of the two vehicles trapped. Rescue 22 and Chief 22 arrived on scene and Chief 22 assumed 896 command. The rescue's crew unloaded all of the tools and shoring that were necessary to start the extrication process. The split crew then began working on the two extrications simultaneously. Engine 22-1 and 22-3, Squad 22 and Brush 22 all arrived and put their manpower to work on the extrications. Due to the extent of the damage to each vehicle it was determined that additional manpower would be needed to assist and Station 21 (Union Fire Company #1 of Oxford) was requested to the scene.

The crews on scene were met with a very complicated extrication in two different vehicles that were approximately 50-75 feet apart. The crews worked as a team to perform multiple extrication techniques using various different hydraulic rescue tools, hand tools, and gas powered tools. Both drivers were removed from the vehicles and moved to awaiting ambulances within 40 minutes of the initial dispatch. Both patients were transported ALS to a local trauma center for treatment of their injuries.

The officers and members of WGFC wish a speedy recovery to both patients. The WGFC leadership is very proud of our members actions under these difficult circumstances. The members of WGFC are committed to serving the community and we will continue to train and prepare as best we can for situations like this.

 
Units: Rescue 22, Brush 22, Engine 22-1, Squad 22, Engine 22-3, Ambulance 22-1, Fire Police
 
Mutual Aid: Ambulance 21-1, Rescue 21, Medic 94-1 and 94-2