Car crashes are one of the top reasons the West Grove Fire Company gets a lot of emergency calls. In 2022, more than 120 dispatches were for motor vehicle accidents. That pace continues into 2023, with two car crashes in less than 24 hours.

West Grove Borough/London Grove Township

On January 19, just before 930am, the West Grove Fire Company was dispatched for an accident at the intersection of Evergreen Street and North Guernsey Road. That location is on the border of West Grove Borough and London Grove Township. The 911 Center reported a two-vehicle crash blocking the road with two patients, one complaining of serious injuries. The reports of injuries added paramedics from Medic 94 to the dispatch.

The WGFC responded with Engine 22-1, Rescue 22, two ambulances and fire police. West Grove's arriving ambulance crew confirmed the initial reports, and determined that the injuries did not require advanced life support care, so Medic 94 was recalled. Engine 22-1 determined it could handle the call and Rescue 22 was recalled. Crews controlled traffic and hazards until the patients could be transported to Christiana Hospital. Fire police secured the intersection until the vehicles could be towed.

London Britain Township

On January 20, at just before 7:45am, the WGFC was dispatched to an accident on Route 896 at the intersection of Elbow Lane in London Britain Township. Reports indicated a single car had left the roadway and stuck a sign, with injuries.

The WGFC responded with Engine 22-1, Rescue 22, Engine 22-3, two ambulances and fire police. Engine 22-3 arrived to confirm a vehicle partially in the roadway with obvious front end damage and damage to a road sign and hillside -- returning the second engine and rescue. A WGFC ambulance arrived and the patient was transported to Christiana hospital with injuries. Engine 22-3 and the fire police handled traffic along Route 896 and cleared the scene in about 20 minutes.

While these accidents were somewhat minor and "routine," they are indicative of about 20 percent of the fire company's call volume. And, for those persons involved, they are indeed emergencies, and require securing hazards and managing traffic. And 2023 is just getting started...