Car vs Pole on Rt. 796

 
By Lieutenant Tim Shannon
July 12, 2010
 

On July 12, 2010, at 19:21 hours Stations 22 and 12, along with Medic 94, was alerted for an auto accident, reported serious, on Route 796 south of Briar Drive. Since many of the members were already on station for drill night, the apparatus' was immediately on the street. Deputy 22, Asst. 22, Rescue 22, Brush 12, Amb 22-1 & 2, and Medic 94-1 & 2 were all enroute within 2 minutes. While enroute, Fire board told incoming units that the car is now possibly on fire. That then added Engine 22 and Rescue 12 to the call. Medic 94-1 was first to arrive on scene and reported a car versus a telephone pole, wires hanging across the roadway, light smoke coming from the engine compartment but with no visible fire, and one patient self extricated.

Deputy 22 arrived on scene, assumed command, and ordered incoming units to close down 796 at Pennocks Bridge and 796 at Ledum Run Road. Rescue 22 arrived on scene splitting crews to assist with traffic control and to assist the EMS with patient care. The ambulance crew, along with the medics, quickly assessed, packaged, and transported the patient to Christiana Hospital.

Since the vehicle involved in the accident was entangled in live power lines, all personnel were ordered to stay clear, and the area was cautioned off with tape.

Once the ambulance went enroute to the hospital, the rescue crews stayed behind and assisted with traffic control until being release by command at 20:05 hours.

During this call, Chester County Fireboard notified Deputy 22 of a second call in the district, this time an Automatic Fire Alarm at Luther House. Deputy 22 redirected Engine 22 (McLimans) to that call for the investigation. The alarm was tripped due to the power being out in the area, caused by the auto accident. The Engine went available at 19:47 hours.

 
Units: Deputy 22, Asst 22, Rescue 22, Engine 22, Ladder 22, Rescue 12, Brush 12, Amb 22-1 & 2, 22-30
 
Mutual Aid: Medic 94-1 & 2, 94-61, PSPA