2nd Extrication Job This Week For Potsdam Firefighters

On Monday night, as part of regular monthly training, Potsdam firefighters practiced their extrication skills on several junk cars at Martins junk yard on Lower Pine Street. It was an opportunity for new members to practice with the tools and the more seasoned members to sharpen their skills. On Wednesday afternoon, the firefighters were able to put their extrication training to the test. At 16:44, St. Lawrence County 911 received a call reporting an M.V.A. on Maple Street near Ebens Hearth Restaurant. Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue and Potsdam Police were dispatched to the scene. Engine 48 arrived to find a two car "T" bone accident with one driver needing extrication. His car took a direct hit on the drivers side pinning him in the vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle had self extricated and was out walking around. Engine 48 radioed for Rescue 14 to the scene with the Hurst tool. Engine 48 stretched a 1- 3/4" line as a precaution. Rescue 14 arrived and the vehicle was stabilized with cribbing. The driver's door was popped with the jaws freeing the patient. Potsdam Fire personnel assisted Potsdam Rescue in packaging the patient and preparing him for transport. Potsdam Fire also provided traffic control and spread out speedy dry to soak up a small fluid leak from one of the vehicles. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Martin's CITGO. Potsdam firefighters were on scene approximately one hour.