Serious MVA On SH 345 Presents Extrication Challenge
 
By Fire Driver Robert Crowe
April 15, 2016
 

Potsdam Fire was dispatched at 1641 hrs to a reported two car MVA on SH 345 at the Sullivan road. Initial reports were of one victim still in a vehicle and unresponsive. Chief Justin Perry (36-1) was enroute at the time of the alarm and, due to the serious nature, requested Fire Driver Robert Crowe respond with Engine 49 immediately. Chief Perry arrived to find one vehicle on its side with all victims out of the vehicle and one vehicle with major driver's side damage and the driver pinned in the vehicle and unresponsive. He requested LifeNet to the scene for air medical transport to a trauma center and West Potsdam Fire to assist with traffic control. Potsdam Fire and Potsdam Rescue units arrived on scene and went to work. EMS personnel worked to stabilize the patient while fire personnel began the task of disentangling the victim. The damage to the vehicle made for a challenging extrication. Crews used the Jaws of Life to free the victim. The patient was removed from the car to the ambulance to be stabilized for transport by the LifeNet 7-10 crew who responded from Watertown. Fire units remained on scene to provide traffic control while the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office conducted their investigation. All units were back in service at 1953 hrs.

 
Units: Engine 49 (Crowe), Rescue 14 (B. Andrus), Rescue 30 (Dave McGregor), Tanker 100 (Enslow)
 
Mutual Aid: West Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, Madrid 22-3, SLC Sheriff's Office