November 14 , 2010
Rescue Squad Extricates Two After Head-On Collision
The Rescue Squad extricated patients from two vehicles following an early-morning collision on Sunday, November 14. Rescue Squad 741B and Ambulance 741B were dispatched at about 1:45 a.m. for a personal injury collision with rollover on Jones Bridge Rd. at Lynnbrook Drive, adjacent to the Walter Reed Medical Center. As the units were arriving on the scene, Montgomery County dispatchers updated responding units with information that there was one pinned.
RS741B arrived first to find a Cadillac sedan on its roof abutting the Medical Center's fenceline. The Cadillac's driver was partially ejected through the sunroof with the roof of the car resting on his torso. The other car was a compact vehicle, with significant front-end and driver’s side damage. It was located in the middle of the roadway, some distance from the SUV. An initial survey found that its driver was trapped and possibly pinned in the vehicle.
The Rescue Squad was positioned to enable sequential extrications. Given the state of the victim who was partially ejected through the sunroof with his torso pinned under the Cadillac, the Squad crew chose to conduct a rapid extrication. They used the hydraulic spreaders to lift the vehicle while throwing step chalks under the vehicle. Once the vehicle was off of the victim, he was rapidly extricated and promptly pronounced by the medic on Engine 707, from Chevy Chase.
The squad crew then stabilized and began extrication of the driver in the other vehicle. The crew began by popping the driver’s side door with the hydraulic spreaders, and then used a combination of the spreaders and the cutters to remove the door’s hinges. Once the victim's legs were exposed, it was discovered that she narrowly avoided being pinned and was extricated without further cutting.
Because the Rescue Squad’s medic unit was tied up on another call, Medic 701 from Silver Spring was dispatched. After removal from the vehicle, the driver was assessed by medics, and quickly transported by Ambulance 741B to the Trauma Center at nearby Suburban Hospital, with the paramedic from Medic 701 upgrading the unit to an advanced life support unit.
The total extrication time for both victims was approximately 17 minutes.
The Rescue Squad’s Chief 741 took command of the incident, assisted by Montgomery County Battalion Chief 702.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Rescue Squad Extricates One From Overturned Vehicle
November 5
Rescue Squad units worked with crews from Bethesda and Glen Echo Fire Departments to quickly stabilize and remove the driver from a large SUV that had flipped on its side in an early morning collision on Little Falls Parkway in Bethesda.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo and Medic 741 were dispatched at 6:00 a.m. on November 5, along with units from Bethesda and Glen Echo for a personal injury collision with a report of a vehicle overturned. The initial dispatch reported the incident to be at Little Falls Parkway and River Road.
Glen Echo Engine 711 found the vehicle on Little Falls to the south of River Road, with the vehicle on its side with one person trapped. Rescue Squad 741 Bravo’s crew arrived and began to stabilize the vehicle using Paratech struts and comealongs on the bottom of the vehicle, and step chocks on the top.
Once stabilized, the Squad crew worked with the crew from Bethesda’s Truck 706 to cut the SUV’s A and B post and flapped the vehicle’s roof, using hydraulic O-cutters. This provided access to the driver, who was assisted from the vehicle onto a backboard. The patient was then transferred to the crew of Medic 741, which conducted a trauma assessment and transported to Suburban Hospital.
Rescue Squad units worked with crews from Bethesda and Glen Echo Fire Departments to quickly stabilize and remove the driver from a large SUV that had flipped on its side in an early morning collision on Little Falls Parkway in Bethesda.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo and Medic 741 were dispatched at 6:00 a.m. on November 5, along with units from Bethesda and Glen Echo for a personal injury collision with a report of a vehicle overturned. The initial dispatch reported the incident to be at Little Falls Parkway and River Road.
Glen Echo Engine 711 found the vehicle on Little Falls to the south of River Road, with the vehicle on its side with one person trapped. Rescue Squad 741 Bravo’s crew arrived and began to stabilize the vehicle using Paratech struts and comealongs on the bottom of the vehicle, and step chocks on the top.
Once stabilized, the Squad crew worked with the crew from Bethesda’s Truck 706 to cut the SUV’s A and B post and flapped the vehicle’s roof, using hydraulic O-cutters. This provided access to the driver, who was assisted from the vehicle onto a backboard. The patient was then transferred to the crew of Medic 741, which conducted a trauma assessment and transported to Suburban Hospital.
Medic and Engine Crews Save Patient Experiencing Allergic Reaction
October 22, 2010
A man awoke in the early hours of October 22, 2010 experiencing chest pain and struggling to breathe. He had been suffering from trouble breathing the previous day, but it became worse during the night. When he woke, he also found his skin flushed and the presence of hives on his face, neck and shoulders.
He called 911, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Medic 741 and Bethesda Fire Department Engine 706 (the latter staffed by a Department of Fire and Rescue Services crew) were dispatched to render aid for “a male patient experiencing an allergic reaction.”
The crews arrived on the scene simultaneously and found the patient standing in his living room leaning against a sofa trying to catch his breath, wheezing and displaying all the signs and symptoms of a moderate allergic reaction. The patient wasn’t aware that he had any allergies, but he had started taking approximately six new medications several days earlier and thought he might be allergic to one or more of them.
Working with the paramedic assigned to the engine company, the Rescue Squad medic assumed control of patient care and began quickly assessing the patient. He directed the crews to take vital signs and administer high-flow oxygen to the patient. Upon placing the patient on a cot in the back of the medic unit, the crew connected the patient to an ECG monitor to assess the patient’s cardiac rhythm and vital signs.
They also began administering medications. The medic administered Albuterol and Atrovent medications through a nebulizer in an effort to counteract the effects of the patient’s allergic reaction, open his airway and lung passages, and reduce his work of breathing. Then the medic injected the patient with Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Epinephrine. Once these medications were administered, the crew turned their attention to establishing an IV, monitoring the patient’s airway, and checking the patient’s response to these interventions provided.
The crew continued supportive patient care on the way to the hospital. The patient began to improve and commented that he felt that it was becoming easier to breathe.
Allergic reactions are not uncommon, but moderate to severe reactions must be treated quickly and aggressively. Rapid recognition of the signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction and speedy activation of the Emergency Medical Services system – i.e., calling 911 – can greatly improve a patient’s outcome when he or she is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.
A man awoke in the early hours of October 22, 2010 experiencing chest pain and struggling to breathe. He had been suffering from trouble breathing the previous day, but it became worse during the night. When he woke, he also found his skin flushed and the presence of hives on his face, neck and shoulders.
He called 911, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Medic 741 and Bethesda Fire Department Engine 706 (the latter staffed by a Department of Fire and Rescue Services crew) were dispatched to render aid for “a male patient experiencing an allergic reaction.”
The crews arrived on the scene simultaneously and found the patient standing in his living room leaning against a sofa trying to catch his breath, wheezing and displaying all the signs and symptoms of a moderate allergic reaction. The patient wasn’t aware that he had any allergies, but he had started taking approximately six new medications several days earlier and thought he might be allergic to one or more of them.
Working with the paramedic assigned to the engine company, the Rescue Squad medic assumed control of patient care and began quickly assessing the patient. He directed the crews to take vital signs and administer high-flow oxygen to the patient. Upon placing the patient on a cot in the back of the medic unit, the crew connected the patient to an ECG monitor to assess the patient’s cardiac rhythm and vital signs.
They also began administering medications. The medic administered Albuterol and Atrovent medications through a nebulizer in an effort to counteract the effects of the patient’s allergic reaction, open his airway and lung passages, and reduce his work of breathing. Then the medic injected the patient with Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Epinephrine. Once these medications were administered, the crew turned their attention to establishing an IV, monitoring the patient’s airway, and checking the patient’s response to these interventions provided.
The crew continued supportive patient care on the way to the hospital. The patient began to improve and commented that he felt that it was becoming easier to breathe.
Allergic reactions are not uncommon, but moderate to severe reactions must be treated quickly and aggressively. Rapid recognition of the signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction and speedy activation of the Emergency Medical Services system – i.e., calling 911 – can greatly improve a patient’s outcome when he or she is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Fatal Early Morning Collision on Beltway
October 18, 2010
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo and Medic 741 responded to an early morning accident on I-495 that left one person dead and another seriously injured.
Shortly before 5 a.m. on Monday, October 18, the units, along with units from Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and Montgomery Battalion Chief 2 were dispatched to the Inner Loop of I-495 between the I-270 Spur and Old Georgetown Road for a personal injury collision with an overturned truck. The Cabin John units arrived on scene first to find a tractor-semitrailer filled with kegs and cases of beer that had departed the roadway, overturned onto its side, and struck a tree. Additionally, a severely damaged personal vehicle sat in the far right middle lane of the roadway.
Crews quickly determined that the driver of the car had suffered multiple traumatic injuries and removed him from his vehicle to begin treatment. Medic 741’s crew, supplemented by crewmembers from Ambulance 726, initiated advanced life support procedures and transported the patient to the Trauma Center at Suburban Hospital.
The fatally-injured truck driver, was trapped in his vehicle, but was not immediately removed so that police could complete their investigation. Rescue 741 Bravo’s crew remained on the scene for several hours to support the police in their accident documentation, and to assist in cleaning up the accident scene.
View the news coverage, including photos, at:
http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=706&sid=2082956
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo and Medic 741 responded to an early morning accident on I-495 that left one person dead and another seriously injured.
Shortly before 5 a.m. on Monday, October 18, the units, along with units from Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and Montgomery Battalion Chief 2 were dispatched to the Inner Loop of I-495 between the I-270 Spur and Old Georgetown Road for a personal injury collision with an overturned truck. The Cabin John units arrived on scene first to find a tractor-semitrailer filled with kegs and cases of beer that had departed the roadway, overturned onto its side, and struck a tree. Additionally, a severely damaged personal vehicle sat in the far right middle lane of the roadway.
Crews quickly determined that the driver of the car had suffered multiple traumatic injuries and removed him from his vehicle to begin treatment. Medic 741’s crew, supplemented by crewmembers from Ambulance 726, initiated advanced life support procedures and transported the patient to the Trauma Center at Suburban Hospital.
The fatally-injured truck driver, was trapped in his vehicle, but was not immediately removed so that police could complete their investigation. Rescue 741 Bravo’s crew remained on the scene for several hours to support the police in their accident documentation, and to assist in cleaning up the accident scene.
View the news coverage, including photos, at:
http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=706&sid=2082956
Friday, October 1, 2010
Bus Plunges off "Skyramp" onto I-270 Spur; One Fatality
September 28, 2010
An evening rush hour turned deadly when a tour bus plunged 45 feet off a "skyramp" onto Interstate 270 Spur below, leaving one dead and multiple injured patients.
Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741, and numerous other Montgomery County and Federal units responded at approximately 4:00 pm to a personal injury collision involving a bus and possibly other vehicles. Initial reports were that one person (the driver of the bus) was dead on the scene. Two traumas and several other patients were transported to area hospitals.
View the news coverage:
Bus Crashes Off I-270 Ramp: http://www.nbcwashington.com/traffic/transit/Bus-Crashes-Off-I-270-Ramp-104027829.html
Bus crash on I-270 ramp leaves 1 dead (video) http://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/09/bus-crash-on-i-270-16121.html
DC sightseers hurt in bus crash, driver killed http://www.wtop.com/?sid=2065855&nid=104
Four people remain hospitalized in Bethesda bus crash on I-270 that killed one: http://www.gazette.net/stories/09302010/montnew112934_32556.php
One Dead, Dozen Hurt In Bus Crash Outside DC: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130222444
An evening rush hour turned deadly when a tour bus plunged 45 feet off a "skyramp" onto Interstate 270 Spur below, leaving one dead and multiple injured patients.
Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741, and numerous other Montgomery County and Federal units responded at approximately 4:00 pm to a personal injury collision involving a bus and possibly other vehicles. Initial reports were that one person (the driver of the bus) was dead on the scene. Two traumas and several other patients were transported to area hospitals.
View the news coverage:
Bus Crashes Off I-270 Ramp: http://www.nbcwashington.com/traffic/transit/Bus-Crashes-Off-I-270-Ramp-104027829.html
Bus crash on I-270 ramp leaves 1 dead (video) http://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/09/bus-crash-on-i-270-16121.html
DC sightseers hurt in bus crash, driver killed http://www.wtop.com/?sid=2065855&nid=104
Four people remain hospitalized in Bethesda bus crash on I-270 that killed one: http://www.gazette.net/stories/09302010/montnew112934_32556.php
One Dead, Dozen Hurt In Bus Crash Outside DC: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130222444
Friday, September 24, 2010
"Rescue Day" open house, October 2
Meet our EMTs, firefighters, and paramedics and see them in action. Explore our rescue trucks, ambulances, and medic units, as well as apparatus from neighboring departments. Watch a helicopter land in our parking lot and meet the flight medics. All this, and more, takes place at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad's Annual "Rescue Day" Open House, October 2, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine. Rescue Day is being held in conjunction with the Taste of Bethesda, the outdoor food festival held just two blocks away in Bethesda's restaurant district.
Rescue Day will feature free fire and rescue activities and displays for all ages, including tours of the station; fire and rescue trucks; live demonstrations of emergency medical, rescue, and firefighting equipment; a special visit by a helicopter; free children's firefighter hats; and a moon bounce. The B-CC Rescue Squad is located at 5020 Battery Lane, at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Battery Lane. To view a video of last year's event, visit http://www.bccrs.org/RescueDayMainPage.html . For more information, call 301-652-0077, or email info@bccrs.org .
And check out our latest email newsletter, at http://tiny.cc/usomj , to read recent news of the Rescue Squad.
Rescue Day will feature free fire and rescue activities and displays for all ages, including tours of the station; fire and rescue trucks; live demonstrations of emergency medical, rescue, and firefighting equipment; a special visit by a helicopter; free children's firefighter hats; and a moon bounce. The B-CC Rescue Squad is located at 5020 Battery Lane, at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Battery Lane. To view a video of last year's event, visit http://www.bccrs.org/RescueDayMainPage.html . For more information, call 301-652-0077, or email info@bccrs.org .
And check out our latest email newsletter, at http://tiny.cc/usomj , to read recent news of the Rescue Squad.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Overturned Car on Old Georgetown Rd.
August 10
A morning rush hour collision on a busy section of Old Georgetown Road left a vehicle on its side with the driver trapped.
Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741D and Ambulance 726 responded to a personal injury collision at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Poindexter Lane, at 0825 hours on a Tuesday morning. First arriving units reported a vehicle on its side with one person trapped inside.
The squad crew used Paratech struts and wedges to stabilize the vehicle before beginning the extrication. They were then able to cut away the front windshield to gain access to the patient, who was then removed from the vehicle through the windshield.
Once extricated, the patient was quickly removed to Medic 741D. Its crew thoroughly assessed the patient and transported to Suburban Hospital with minor injuries.
Other units responding included Engine 726 from Bethesda, which provided scene safety, and Tower 723, from Rockville, which provided additional manpower. Chief 741B responded and took command, assisted by Chief 741E.
A morning rush hour collision on a busy section of Old Georgetown Road left a vehicle on its side with the driver trapped.
Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741D and Ambulance 726 responded to a personal injury collision at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Poindexter Lane, at 0825 hours on a Tuesday morning. First arriving units reported a vehicle on its side with one person trapped inside.
The squad crew used Paratech struts and wedges to stabilize the vehicle before beginning the extrication. They were then able to cut away the front windshield to gain access to the patient, who was then removed from the vehicle through the windshield.
Once extricated, the patient was quickly removed to Medic 741D. Its crew thoroughly assessed the patient and transported to Suburban Hospital with minor injuries.
Other units responding included Engine 726 from Bethesda, which provided scene safety, and Tower 723, from Rockville, which provided additional manpower. Chief 741B responded and took command, assisted by Chief 741E.
Two Killed in Old Georgetown Rd. Collision
August 7
Numerous Rescue Squad units responded to a collision early on a Saturday morning that killed the drivers of both vehicles.
At about 0845 hours, Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741, Medic 741E, Ambulance 726, Engine 720 from Bethesda, along with Battalion Chief 2 and an EMS duty officer from Montgomery County were dispatched for a vehicle collision with a report of 2 persons trapped on Old Georgetown Road just north of the Beltway. A Buick station wagon and a Toyota minivan had struck each other in an offset head-on collision, leaving both drivers pinned inside their vehicles.
Unfortunately, the collision was fatal for both drivers, so no immediate extrication was necessary. As a precaution, RS 741 used its thermal imaging camera (TIC) to check in the brush beside the road for any vehicle occupants who might have been ejected but did not find any additional patients. (Use of the TIC for this purpose is not novel.)
RS741 returned to the scene several hours later, along with Truck 706 and Engine 720, to assist the police with completing their investigation.
Numerous Rescue Squad units responded to a collision early on a Saturday morning that killed the drivers of both vehicles.
At about 0845 hours, Rescue Squad 741, Medic 741, Medic 741E, Ambulance 726, Engine 720 from Bethesda, along with Battalion Chief 2 and an EMS duty officer from Montgomery County were dispatched for a vehicle collision with a report of 2 persons trapped on Old Georgetown Road just north of the Beltway. A Buick station wagon and a Toyota minivan had struck each other in an offset head-on collision, leaving both drivers pinned inside their vehicles.
Unfortunately, the collision was fatal for both drivers, so no immediate extrication was necessary. As a precaution, RS 741 used its thermal imaging camera (TIC) to check in the brush beside the road for any vehicle occupants who might have been ejected but did not find any additional patients. (Use of the TIC for this purpose is not novel.)
RS741 returned to the scene several hours later, along with Truck 706 and Engine 720, to assist the police with completing their investigation.
Ambulance Crew Saves Woman With Allergic Reaction
June 8
An ambulance crew’s quick actions saved a woman suffering from a severe reaction to medication.
Ambulance 726, a B-CC Rescue Squad ambulance stationed at Bethesda Fire Department Station 26 on Democracy Blvd., was dispatched at 1925 hours for a report of trouble breathing in a middle aged woman at her residence near Montgomery Mall. They arrived on scene to find a woman who had been to the oral surgeon earlier in the day, and appeared to be having a bad reaction to some of the medications he had given her. She was speaking in gasps and hyperventilating due to the difficulty she was having in breathing.
Prior to the arrival of an engine company with a paramedic, the crew assessed the patient’s symptoms and learned of her medical history, including the oral surgery earlier in the day. They concluded that she was suffering from a severe allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock and began to administer oxygen at 15 liters per minute through a non-rebreather mask.
Recognizing the potential allergic reaction, they also quickly administered a dose of epinephrine using an EpiPen®. This led to a textbook reaction, with bodily shaking and an increased heart rate, while apparently reducing the swelling to the respiratory system. The patient’s breathing slowed down by the time the engine company with a paramedic arrived, and she was doing significantly better by the time the medic was able to evaluate her.
With the rapid improvement in the patient’s condition, the paramedic concluded that no advanced life support intervention was needed; however, the paramedic accompanied Ambulance 726 as they transported the woman to the hospital.
An ambulance crew’s quick actions saved a woman suffering from a severe reaction to medication.
Ambulance 726, a B-CC Rescue Squad ambulance stationed at Bethesda Fire Department Station 26 on Democracy Blvd., was dispatched at 1925 hours for a report of trouble breathing in a middle aged woman at her residence near Montgomery Mall. They arrived on scene to find a woman who had been to the oral surgeon earlier in the day, and appeared to be having a bad reaction to some of the medications he had given her. She was speaking in gasps and hyperventilating due to the difficulty she was having in breathing.
Prior to the arrival of an engine company with a paramedic, the crew assessed the patient’s symptoms and learned of her medical history, including the oral surgery earlier in the day. They concluded that she was suffering from a severe allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock and began to administer oxygen at 15 liters per minute through a non-rebreather mask.
Recognizing the potential allergic reaction, they also quickly administered a dose of epinephrine using an EpiPen®. This led to a textbook reaction, with bodily shaking and an increased heart rate, while apparently reducing the swelling to the respiratory system. The patient’s breathing slowed down by the time the engine company with a paramedic arrived, and she was doing significantly better by the time the medic was able to evaluate her.
With the rapid improvement in the patient’s condition, the paramedic concluded that no advanced life support intervention was needed; however, the paramedic accompanied Ambulance 726 as they transported the woman to the hospital.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Glen Echo House Fire Injures 3 Rescue Squad Firefighters
May 25, 2010
Rescue Squad 741 responded to a late afternoon house fire with an initial report of an explosion in the 5600 block of Ogden Road in Glen Echo.
First arriving Glen Echo Engine 711 reported a large 2-story split-level house with attached garage that was fully involved. When the Rescue Squad arrived on scene a few minutes later, it found heavy black smoke coming from the attached garage and from windows on all sides of the house.
The crew quickly forced entry to the front door of the house. With 5 personnel on Rescue Squad 741, the crew split into 2 teams and entered different parts of the house to conduct search and rescue operations. They quickly conducted a primary search throughout the first and second floors with smoke banking down to the floor level and significant heat. During their search, they broke out windows and forced open a door on the D side of the house, opposite the garage in order to provide some visibility.
After the fire was knocked down, Rescue Squad 741’s crew assisted fire marshals in removing the remains of a Jaguar that was parked in the garage for further investigation.
Three Rescue Squad firefighters were slightly injured as they entered the basement and encountered intense heat that was coming from the attached garage. After returning to the station, the three were transported non-emergency to the MedStar burn center for assessment of minor burns received to the ears. They were treated and released after a short time.
To read about more incidents, visit http://www.bccrs.org/Action.html
Rescue Squad 741 responded to a late afternoon house fire with an initial report of an explosion in the 5600 block of Ogden Road in Glen Echo.
First arriving Glen Echo Engine 711 reported a large 2-story split-level house with attached garage that was fully involved. When the Rescue Squad arrived on scene a few minutes later, it found heavy black smoke coming from the attached garage and from windows on all sides of the house.
The crew quickly forced entry to the front door of the house. With 5 personnel on Rescue Squad 741, the crew split into 2 teams and entered different parts of the house to conduct search and rescue operations. They quickly conducted a primary search throughout the first and second floors with smoke banking down to the floor level and significant heat. During their search, they broke out windows and forced open a door on the D side of the house, opposite the garage in order to provide some visibility.
After the fire was knocked down, Rescue Squad 741’s crew assisted fire marshals in removing the remains of a Jaguar that was parked in the garage for further investigation.
Three Rescue Squad firefighters were slightly injured as they entered the basement and encountered intense heat that was coming from the attached garage. After returning to the station, the three were transported non-emergency to the MedStar burn center for assessment of minor burns received to the ears. They were treated and released after a short time.
To read about more incidents, visit http://www.bccrs.org/Action.html
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Squad Crew Extricates Woman Trapped in Overturned Car
VIEW SEVERAL UPDATED INCIDENT DESCRIPTIONS AT : http://www.bccrs.org/Action.html
May 8, 2010
Rescue Squad Crews extricated a woman from her overturned vehicle and treated 2 patients injured in a late Saturday afternoon accident at Wisconsin Avenue and Somerset Terrace, near Friendship Heights.
When Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene, it found a vehicle that had run off the road, sideswiped a tree and flipped on to its roof, landing in the middle of the intersection. One occupant was able to crawl out of the vehicle, but another was not. A medic gained entry into the vehicle to stabilize the trapped patient while the squad crew went to work. First the crew stabilized the vehicle using Paratech struts, cribbing and wedges. They then cut the passenger side door and removed the entire side of the vehicle in order to remove the patient.
Medic 741 was initially dispatched because of the initial report of an overturned vehicle. An additional BLS unit (Ambulance 741 Charlie) was requested so that the two paramedics on the medic could split up and provide ALS treatment to both patients. Both patients were stabilized and quickly transported to Suburban Hospital.
May 8, 2010
Rescue Squad Crews extricated a woman from her overturned vehicle and treated 2 patients injured in a late Saturday afternoon accident at Wisconsin Avenue and Somerset Terrace, near Friendship Heights.
When Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene, it found a vehicle that had run off the road, sideswiped a tree and flipped on to its roof, landing in the middle of the intersection. One occupant was able to crawl out of the vehicle, but another was not. A medic gained entry into the vehicle to stabilize the trapped patient while the squad crew went to work. First the crew stabilized the vehicle using Paratech struts, cribbing and wedges. They then cut the passenger side door and removed the entire side of the vehicle in order to remove the patient.
Medic 741 was initially dispatched because of the initial report of an overturned vehicle. An additional BLS unit (Ambulance 741 Charlie) was requested so that the two paramedics on the medic could split up and provide ALS treatment to both patients. Both patients were stabilized and quickly transported to Suburban Hospital.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Squad Crew Extricates Driver of Overturned Car in Silver Spring
May 5, 2010
UPDATED 5/30/10
Squad Crew Extricates Driver of Overturned Car in Silver Spring
The Rescue Squad extricated the driver of a vehicle who had struck 2 parked cars in downtown Silver Spring and overturned during the afternoon rush hour. Original notification of the accident came from a Silver Spring ambulance that came upon the scene shortly after it occurred.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched to the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Thayer Street, in the heart of Silver Spring because Wheaton’s rescue squad was tied up on another call. Upon arrival, the crew found a vehicle had landed on the driver's side, with the driver pinned between the door and steering wheel. After stabilizing the vehicle, they cut the door posts on the top (passenger) side of the vehicle so that they could fold the roof open and provide space to access. They then cut and removed the steering wheel, freeing the patient, who was pinned between it and the driver’s side door.
The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital’s trauma center by Medic 701, from Silver Spring.
UPDATED 5/30/10
Squad Crew Extricates Driver of Overturned Car in Silver Spring
The Rescue Squad extricated the driver of a vehicle who had struck 2 parked cars in downtown Silver Spring and overturned during the afternoon rush hour. Original notification of the accident came from a Silver Spring ambulance that came upon the scene shortly after it occurred.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched to the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Thayer Street, in the heart of Silver Spring because Wheaton’s rescue squad was tied up on another call. Upon arrival, the crew found a vehicle had landed on the driver's side, with the driver pinned between the door and steering wheel. After stabilizing the vehicle, they cut the door posts on the top (passenger) side of the vehicle so that they could fold the roof open and provide space to access. They then cut and removed the steering wheel, freeing the patient, who was pinned between it and the driver’s side door.
The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital’s trauma center by Medic 701, from Silver Spring.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rescue Squad Crews Handle Monday Morning Rush Hour Trap Job
May 3
UPDATED 5/21/2010
UPDATED 5/21/2010
Rescue Squad 741B and 4 EMS units were needed to handle a serious intersection accident during a rainy Monday morning rush hour.
An ambulance and engine from the National Institutes of Health were dispatched at about 7:20 a.m. to Center Drive on the NIH campus for a personal injury collision. As they were responding, the location was updated to the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Jones Bridge Road, and with a report of one person trapped. NIH arrived on scene and advised that there were 2 vehicles involved with multiple injuries and entrapments. A sedan carrying the driver and one passenger had been struck on its passenger side door by a van carrying a total of 5 persons. The sedan passenger was pinned in the vehicle.
After quickly stabilizing the car, RS 741B's crew used a five-step process to remove the entire side of a car that can be especially effective when there is a side impact. First they cut the B post. Then they spread through the rear door window to pop open the rear door. They next made a relief cut low on the B post. And then they spread the B post out of the rocker panel. Finally, that enabled the crew to pull the rear door and B post towards the front of the car as one single unit so that they could cut the hinges on the front door, removing the whole side of the vehicle. This strategy provided the medics with easy access to the patient with a minimal amount of additional impingement upon the side of his body.
Although this isn’t a new extrication strategy, it worked well because of recent training. The Rescue Squad’s officer had recently completed a week-long seminar in Ohio on vehicle extrication techniques, where he had both perfected ways to execute this strategy and how to identify when it can be most effective.
In addition to a working extrication, the operation was complicated by having 5 separate patients to assess and stabilize. The driver of the sedan, as well as the passenger who was pinned, were declared to be traumas and treated by medics. Two additional basic ambulances were subsequently called to the scene in order transport 3 of the 5 passengers in the van.
Rescue Squad Responds to Another House Fire
April 15, 2010
UPDATED 5/30/10
Rescue Squad Responds to Another House Fire
The Rescue Squad’s day crew responded to its 4th significant residential fire in two weeks. Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched to a house on Jamestown Court, in Glen Echo. The initial dispatch included a report of two children trapped.
When the Rescue Squad arrived on scene, the blaze had spread into the house in several places from an attached garage, where it had begun. There was no engine company on scene to provide a hose line or water, so RS741 Bravo’s officer used 5-gallon fire extinguishers and a garden hose to hold the fire at bay while the remainder of the crew made a quick primary search of the upstairs. Fortunately, no children were found.
Once engine companies from Glen Echo, Bethesda, Cabin John and the National Institutes of Health arrived on scene and established a water supply, crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire on the first floor. This enabled the crew to complete a more thorough secondary search. They then assisted engine and truck crews in finding and dousing hot spots by pulling a lot of walls and ceiling.
After more than an hour of salvage and overhaul work, the crew was released to return to service.
In addition to Cabin John, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, and Rockville also responded
Both Medic 741 and a BLS unit from the Rescue Squad responded; however, there were no injuries.
UPDATED 5/30/10
Rescue Squad Responds to Another House Fire
The Rescue Squad’s day crew responded to its 4th significant residential fire in two weeks. Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched to a house on Jamestown Court, in Glen Echo. The initial dispatch included a report of two children trapped.
When the Rescue Squad arrived on scene, the blaze had spread into the house in several places from an attached garage, where it had begun. There was no engine company on scene to provide a hose line or water, so RS741 Bravo’s officer used 5-gallon fire extinguishers and a garden hose to hold the fire at bay while the remainder of the crew made a quick primary search of the upstairs. Fortunately, no children were found.
Once engine companies from Glen Echo, Bethesda, Cabin John and the National Institutes of Health arrived on scene and established a water supply, crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire on the first floor. This enabled the crew to complete a more thorough secondary search. They then assisted engine and truck crews in finding and dousing hot spots by pulling a lot of walls and ceiling.
After more than an hour of salvage and overhaul work, the crew was released to return to service.
In addition to Cabin John, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, and Rockville also responded
Both Medic 741 and a BLS unit from the Rescue Squad responded; however, there were no injuries.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Apartment Fire in Wheaton
April 1, 2010
UPDATED 5/30/10
Apartment Fire in Wheaton
For the third day in a row, Rescue Squad 741 Bravo caught a working fire. Today, the fire was in both bedrooms of a ground floor garden apartment on Elkins Street in Wheaton.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched on the initial box alarm, even though this location is far outside its first due area, because Wheaton’s rescue squad was committed to another call in Rockville. The Wheaton unit ultimately was dispatched on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch.
Kensington’s Engine 718 arrived on scene first and reported fire showing from the delta side of the building. Subsequently it reported two bedrooms fully involved in fire. There was an initial report of people trapped, but the Squad crew's primary and secondary search found no one. The residents were later found safely located in another apartment building.
After completing its search, the Squad crew spent substantial time pulling walls and ceiling in the fire apartment to find places where the fire might have extended behind the walls. It located a number of hot spots that were quickly extinguished by engine companies.
Units from Kensington and Silver Spring, responded on the initial alarm. Two subsequent task force alarms brought numerous additional units from throughout the eastern part of Montgomery County.
The Squad cleared the scene after about an hour.
UPDATED 5/30/10
Apartment Fire in Wheaton
For the third day in a row, Rescue Squad 741 Bravo caught a working fire. Today, the fire was in both bedrooms of a ground floor garden apartment on Elkins Street in Wheaton.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo was dispatched on the initial box alarm, even though this location is far outside its first due area, because Wheaton’s rescue squad was committed to another call in Rockville. The Wheaton unit ultimately was dispatched on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch.
Kensington’s Engine 718 arrived on scene first and reported fire showing from the delta side of the building. Subsequently it reported two bedrooms fully involved in fire. There was an initial report of people trapped, but the Squad crew's primary and secondary search found no one. The residents were later found safely located in another apartment building.
After completing its search, the Squad crew spent substantial time pulling walls and ceiling in the fire apartment to find places where the fire might have extended behind the walls. It located a number of hot spots that were quickly extinguished by engine companies.
Units from Kensington and Silver Spring, responded on the initial alarm. Two subsequent task force alarms brought numerous additional units from throughout the eastern part of Montgomery County.
The Squad cleared the scene after about an hour.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Two for Two
March 31, 2010
UPDATED 5/30/10
Two for Two
The Rescue Squad responded to its second major house fire in two days, this time in the 8000 block of Glenmore Spring Road in Cabin John.
First due Engine 710 from Cabin John arrived first on scene at approximately 2:20 pm with a report of fire in a two-story single family dwelling. There still was heavy fire from the upstairs windows when Rescue Squad 741B arrived a few minutes later.
The crew battled significant heat and dense smoke to successfully search the entire structure and control utilities. After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, they assisted with salvage and overhaul.
In addition to Cabin John, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, and Rockville also responded.
UPDATED 5/30/10
Two for Two
The Rescue Squad responded to its second major house fire in two days, this time in the 8000 block of Glenmore Spring Road in Cabin John.
First due Engine 710 from Cabin John arrived first on scene at approximately 2:20 pm with a report of fire in a two-story single family dwelling. There still was heavy fire from the upstairs windows when Rescue Squad 741B arrived a few minutes later.
The crew battled significant heat and dense smoke to successfully search the entire structure and control utilities. After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, they assisted with salvage and overhaul.
In addition to Cabin John, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, and Rockville also responded.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Rescue Squad Responds to Large House Fire in Glen Echo
March 30 -
Shortly after 9 a.m., Rescue Squad 741 Bravo – at the time an old Montgomery County reserve rescue squad – was dispatched for a report of a house fire in the 5100 block of Wissioming Road in Glen Echo. While the squad was en route, E711 (Glen Echo Fire Department) advised communications that it was on the scene with fire showing from the front of a three story house (Side A).
RS741B was the third unit on scene. While E711 was advancing its 250' of cross-lay hose, the squad crew made entry into the house and completed a primary search of the first and basement floors, with no trapped occupants. They also turned off the gas meter – a precaution that firefighters take to eliminate the possibility of natural gas-fed fires.
The crew of three regrouped on the second floor and quickly performed a primary search of the bedrooms. Fire was still active on the second floor so they were met with heavy smoke, zero visibility. They broke out several windows to assist in venting the structure of smoke and heat.
The crew then made its way to the third floor where it again found heat and heavy smoke. With the help of two other companies, the squad crew took down drywall to locate the extension of the fire from the second floor. They took out more windows, which helped reduce the amount of smoke on the third floor.
In addition to the initial alarm, the incident commander requested a rapid intervention dispatch and two task forces. In all, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, Cabin John Park, National Naval Medical Center, Naval Surface Warfare center, the National Institutes of Health, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Fairfax County responded on this incident.
The homeowners were not home at the time of the fire and no firefighters were hurt. The Rescue Squad returned to service after about an hour.
Updated April 11, 2010
Check our "Squad in Action" page periodically for more incidents:
http://www.bccrs.org/Action.html
Shortly after 9 a.m., Rescue Squad 741 Bravo – at the time an old Montgomery County reserve rescue squad – was dispatched for a report of a house fire in the 5100 block of Wissioming Road in Glen Echo. While the squad was en route, E711 (Glen Echo Fire Department) advised communications that it was on the scene with fire showing from the front of a three story house (Side A).
RS741B was the third unit on scene. While E711 was advancing its 250' of cross-lay hose, the squad crew made entry into the house and completed a primary search of the first and basement floors, with no trapped occupants. They also turned off the gas meter – a precaution that firefighters take to eliminate the possibility of natural gas-fed fires.
The crew of three regrouped on the second floor and quickly performed a primary search of the bedrooms. Fire was still active on the second floor so they were met with heavy smoke, zero visibility. They broke out several windows to assist in venting the structure of smoke and heat.
The crew then made its way to the third floor where it again found heat and heavy smoke. With the help of two other companies, the squad crew took down drywall to locate the extension of the fire from the second floor. They took out more windows, which helped reduce the amount of smoke on the third floor.
In addition to the initial alarm, the incident commander requested a rapid intervention dispatch and two task forces. In all, units from Glen Echo, Bethesda, Cabin John Park, National Naval Medical Center, Naval Surface Warfare center, the National Institutes of Health, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Fairfax County responded on this incident.
The homeowners were not home at the time of the fire and no firefighters were hurt. The Rescue Squad returned to service after about an hour.
Updated April 11, 2010
Check our "Squad in Action" page periodically for more incidents:
http://www.bccrs.org/Action.html
Day Crew Faces Complicated Extrication on Neighborhood Street
March 8, 2010
A Subaru Forester rolled onto its side, pinning the driver’s foot underneath, and presenting Rescue Squad crews with an extremely complex extrication scenario.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo (one of the Squad's two heavy rescue units) responded to a personal injury collision with a report of one trapped at the intersection of Wyngate Drive and Keystone Drive, two neighborhood residential streets. It arrived first on scene to find the vehicle on its side in the middle of the intersection.
Upon arrival, the Rescue Squad crew first stabilized the vehicle using Paratech struts and wedges on the underside and step chocks on the top side of the vehicle. They then cut the roof and removed the steering wheel using hydraulic cutters in order to gain access to the driver. However, they still were not able to remove him because his foot was pinned between the driver’s side door and the door frame next to the ground.
In order to free the driver’s foot, the crew used the CombiTool from the top side to create a small gap between the door frame and the ground. After placing a wooden wedge to conserve that space, they then did the same thing with spreaders from the vehicle’s underside. Working in concert, the two tools were able to create enough space to free the driver’s foot. If that strategy would not have worked, the Rescue Squad officer had called for a heavy-duty wrecker to life the entire vehicle as a backup.
Once freed, the patient was quickly removed to Medic 723 from Rockville, which assessed the patient, stabilized the foot, and transported to the Shock Trauma Center at Suburban Hospital. The patient did not appear to have any significant injuries other than to his foot.
In addition to Medic 723, other units responding included Engine 720, which provided scene safety, and Engine 706, which provided an additional medic.
According to dispatch records, the entire extrication, including stabilization, roof removal, cutting the steering wheel, and raising the vehicle to remove the patient, took only 36 minutes.
A Subaru Forester rolled onto its side, pinning the driver’s foot underneath, and presenting Rescue Squad crews with an extremely complex extrication scenario.
Rescue Squad 741 Bravo (one of the Squad's two heavy rescue units) responded to a personal injury collision with a report of one trapped at the intersection of Wyngate Drive and Keystone Drive, two neighborhood residential streets. It arrived first on scene to find the vehicle on its side in the middle of the intersection.
Upon arrival, the Rescue Squad crew first stabilized the vehicle using Paratech struts and wedges on the underside and step chocks on the top side of the vehicle. They then cut the roof and removed the steering wheel using hydraulic cutters in order to gain access to the driver. However, they still were not able to remove him because his foot was pinned between the driver’s side door and the door frame next to the ground.
In order to free the driver’s foot, the crew used the CombiTool from the top side to create a small gap between the door frame and the ground. After placing a wooden wedge to conserve that space, they then did the same thing with spreaders from the vehicle’s underside. Working in concert, the two tools were able to create enough space to free the driver’s foot. If that strategy would not have worked, the Rescue Squad officer had called for a heavy-duty wrecker to life the entire vehicle as a backup.
Once freed, the patient was quickly removed to Medic 723 from Rockville, which assessed the patient, stabilized the foot, and transported to the Shock Trauma Center at Suburban Hospital. The patient did not appear to have any significant injuries other than to his foot.
In addition to Medic 723, other units responding included Engine 720, which provided scene safety, and Engine 706, which provided an additional medic.
According to dispatch records, the entire extrication, including stabilization, roof removal, cutting the steering wheel, and raising the vehicle to remove the patient, took only 36 minutes.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Squad Crew Handles Tough Basement Fire
March 9, 2010
As Rescue Squad 741B cleared an automatic fire alarm on Pooks Hill Road in North Bethesda, a few minutes after 10:00 a.m., it was dispatched on Box 6-07 for a house fire in the 5100 block of Wessling Lane, near downtown Bethesda. Five minutes later, they arrived first on the scene and reported smoke showing from Side A (the front side) with a confirmed working basement fire. They immediately requested the rapid intervention dispatch.
The crew of three forced entry to the front door to allow access for the first arriving engine company (Engine 706 from Bethesda) and shut off the gas meter, which was next to the door. As Engine 706 established a water supply, the rescue squad crew vented the basement windows from the outside and noted that fire was showing from side Bravo.
Read the full article at:
http://www.bccrs.org/IncidentSquadHandlesToughBasementFire20100309.html
To sign up for the Rescue Squad's email newsletter, visit:
http://www.bccrs.org/about/newsletterinformation.html
As Rescue Squad 741B cleared an automatic fire alarm on Pooks Hill Road in North Bethesda, a few minutes after 10:00 a.m., it was dispatched on Box 6-07 for a house fire in the 5100 block of Wessling Lane, near downtown Bethesda. Five minutes later, they arrived first on the scene and reported smoke showing from Side A (the front side) with a confirmed working basement fire. They immediately requested the rapid intervention dispatch.
The crew of three forced entry to the front door to allow access for the first arriving engine company (Engine 706 from Bethesda) and shut off the gas meter, which was next to the door. As Engine 706 established a water supply, the rescue squad crew vented the basement windows from the outside and noted that fire was showing from side Bravo.
Read the full article at:
http://www.bccrs.org/IncidentSquadHandlesToughBasementFire20100309.html
To sign up for the Rescue Squad's email newsletter, visit:
http://www.bccrs.org/about/newsletterinformation.html
Cardiac Arrest Patient Saved by Ambulance, Medic, and Truck Crews
March 5, 2010
A woman awoke in the early hours to find her husband collapsed and unresponsive at their Bethesda home. She thought he was unconscious and called 911. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Ambulance 726 and Medic 741, as well as Cabin John Park Truck 710, were dispatched to render aid.
While the units were en route, the 911 dispatcher alerted the crews that the patient “was a possible code”—meaning he was suspected to be in cardiac arrest. Ambulance 726 arrived on scene first and found the patient unresponsive without a pulse and not breathing. Crew members immediately began performing life-saving efforts including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (administering an electric shock) with an automated external defibrillator.
Read the full article at:
http://www.bccrs.org/IncidentCardiacArrestPatientSaved20100305.html
A woman awoke in the early hours to find her husband collapsed and unresponsive at their Bethesda home. She thought he was unconscious and called 911. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Ambulance 726 and Medic 741, as well as Cabin John Park Truck 710, were dispatched to render aid.
While the units were en route, the 911 dispatcher alerted the crews that the patient “was a possible code”—meaning he was suspected to be in cardiac arrest. Ambulance 726 arrived on scene first and found the patient unresponsive without a pulse and not breathing. Crew members immediately began performing life-saving efforts including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (administering an electric shock) with an automated external defibrillator.
Read the full article at:
http://www.bccrs.org/IncidentCardiacArrestPatientSaved20100305.html
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day Crew Extricates One on Snow Bank
February 12, 2010
Deep snow alongside Rockville Pike made extrication of a motorist a little more complicated when the vehicle came to rest on top of the snow.
Rockville’s Medic 723 and Engine 723 responded for a personal injury collision on Rockville Pike, just south of Strathmore Lane. Due to the reduced response policy in place at the time, Rescue Squad 741 was not dispatched The units arrived on scene to find a driver trapped in her vehicle and on top of a snow bank following a two-vehicle collision, and immediately requested the Rescue Squad.
Upon arrival, the Rescue Squad crew assessed the scene and found that the vehicle had only 3 of its wheels on the snow bank. The Squad crew stabilized the right rear corner using cribbing and wedges. The crew then quickly popped open the driver’s side door using hydraulic spreaders and cutters. The patient was removed from the vehicle onto a backboard, and transferred to Medic 723, whose crew assessed and transported the patient to Suburban Hospital.
###
Deep snow alongside Rockville Pike made extrication of a motorist a little more complicated when the vehicle came to rest on top of the snow.
Rockville’s Medic 723 and Engine 723 responded for a personal injury collision on Rockville Pike, just south of Strathmore Lane. Due to the reduced response policy in place at the time, Rescue Squad 741 was not dispatched The units arrived on scene to find a driver trapped in her vehicle and on top of a snow bank following a two-vehicle collision, and immediately requested the Rescue Squad.
Upon arrival, the Rescue Squad crew assessed the scene and found that the vehicle had only 3 of its wheels on the snow bank. The Squad crew stabilized the right rear corner using cribbing and wedges. The crew then quickly popped open the driver’s side door using hydraulic spreaders and cutters. The patient was removed from the vehicle onto a backboard, and transferred to Medic 723, whose crew assessed and transported the patient to Suburban Hospital.
###
Rescue Squad Braves Back-to-Back Snowstorms
February 11, 2010
Rescue Squad EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics braved difficult conditions February 5-10 to respond to the community’s emergencies during back-to-back snowstorms that dumped up to 36 inches of snow on the Rescue Squad’s service area.
Harsh weather, downed power lines, and slippery streets contributed to what the Washington Post dubbed “A Historic Mess” and posed a number of challenges for the Rescue Squad.
The first snowstorm left the Squad’s service area staggering under 26 inches of snow. From noon Friday, February 5 until 8:00 pm Sunday, February 7, the Squad responded to approximately 100 incidents of various types, including medical emergencies, traffic collisions, and downed power lines.
Click on the above link to read the entire account on the bccrs.org website.
Rescue Squad EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics braved difficult conditions February 5-10 to respond to the community’s emergencies during back-to-back snowstorms that dumped up to 36 inches of snow on the Rescue Squad’s service area.
Harsh weather, downed power lines, and slippery streets contributed to what the Washington Post dubbed “A Historic Mess” and posed a number of challenges for the Rescue Squad.
The first snowstorm left the Squad’s service area staggering under 26 inches of snow. From noon Friday, February 5 until 8:00 pm Sunday, February 7, the Squad responded to approximately 100 incidents of various types, including medical emergencies, traffic collisions, and downed power lines.
Click on the above link to read the entire account on the bccrs.org website.
House Fire in Heavy Snow
February 8, 2010
Rescue Squad crews were challenged by deep snow and an intense basement fire in Bethesda today.
Rescue Squad units responded, along with units from Bethesda, Chevy Chase and two separate Federal fire departments to a house fire in the 7000 block of Exeter Road, in Bethesda. Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene shortly after Bethesda’s Engine and Truck 706 had made initial on-scene reports of smoke showing from the front and fire showing from the rear of a single family house. This led to dispatch of a task force and a rapid intervention team that included additional units from Cabin John, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Wheaton Rescue Squad.
Click on the above link to read the full account on the bccrs.org website.
Rescue Squad crews were challenged by deep snow and an intense basement fire in Bethesda today.
Rescue Squad units responded, along with units from Bethesda, Chevy Chase and two separate Federal fire departments to a house fire in the 7000 block of Exeter Road, in Bethesda. Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene shortly after Bethesda’s Engine and Truck 706 had made initial on-scene reports of smoke showing from the front and fire showing from the rear of a single family house. This led to dispatch of a task force and a rapid intervention team that included additional units from Cabin John, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Wheaton Rescue Squad.
Click on the above link to read the full account on the bccrs.org website.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Friday Night Crew Extricates One from Vehicle on I-270
January 30, 2010
Friday Night Crew made quick work of extricating a passenger trapped in a vehicle on Interstate 270 in a late night collision.
Rescue Squad 741 was dispatched about 0115 hours on the morning of Saturday, January 30 with units from Bethesda, Cabin John, and Rockville to a personal injury collision with a report of one pinned. The first-arriving unit confirmed that one vehicle had struck the barrier that separates the local lanes from the thru lanes on northbound I-270. The vehicle suffered significant front-end damage on the passenger side. The passenger was leaning on the door, with his head on the dashboard.
After stabilizing the car with step chocks, the crew popped the door by using the hydraulic spreaders to first pinch the door to establish a purchase open and then prying. In order to gain greater access to the patient, they also cut the seatback. All of this was completed within 8 minutes of arrival on scene. The patient was quickly removed to Medic 723 from Rockville, which transported him to the Trauma Center at Fairfax.
###
Friday Night Crew made quick work of extricating a passenger trapped in a vehicle on Interstate 270 in a late night collision.
Rescue Squad 741 was dispatched about 0115 hours on the morning of Saturday, January 30 with units from Bethesda, Cabin John, and Rockville to a personal injury collision with a report of one pinned. The first-arriving unit confirmed that one vehicle had struck the barrier that separates the local lanes from the thru lanes on northbound I-270. The vehicle suffered significant front-end damage on the passenger side. The passenger was leaning on the door, with his head on the dashboard.
After stabilizing the car with step chocks, the crew popped the door by using the hydraulic spreaders to first pinch the door to establish a purchase open and then prying. In order to gain greater access to the patient, they also cut the seatback. All of this was completed within 8 minutes of arrival on scene. The patient was quickly removed to Medic 723 from Rockville, which transported him to the Trauma Center at Fairfax.
###
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Rescue Squad Crew Extricates One from Vehicle Struck by Bus
January 15, 2010
Rescue Squad crews worked closely with engine companies from Chevy Chase and Silver Spring to extricate a woman trapped in her car after it was struck in the rear by a bus.
Rescue Squad 741 was dispatched about 0530 hours on Friday, January 15 with Engine 707 from Chevy Chase and Ambulance 705 from Kensington to a personal injury collision on the Inner Loop of I-495 between Connecticut and Georgia Avenues. Engine 719 and Ambulance 719 from Silver Spring were sent to check the Outer Loop, which is a normal procedure for calls on the Capital Beltway.
E707 arrived on scene and notified responding units that a car was struck by a transit bus, with one person trapped. The rear of the car had sustained significant damage, trapping the driver. Seconds later, Rescue Squad 741 arrived on the scene. Its crew of three personnel immediately began work to stabilize the vehicle and protect the patient before commencing extrication operations. The squad crew then used the Squad’s Amkus hydraulic spreaders to remove the driver’s side doors while the engine crew assisted with removal of the windshield. The squad and engine crews then used two hydraulic cutters in a simultaneous operation to cut and remove the roof. This procedure, involving personnel from E707, E719 and RS741, allowed the medical crew easy access to the patient.
Once the patient was extricated from the vehicle, Ambulance 705 transported the patient to the trauma center at Suburban Hospital with the paramedic from the engine crew.
RS741 returned to service within 30 minutes of arrival on scene.
###
Rescue Squad crews worked closely with engine companies from Chevy Chase and Silver Spring to extricate a woman trapped in her car after it was struck in the rear by a bus.
Rescue Squad 741 was dispatched about 0530 hours on Friday, January 15 with Engine 707 from Chevy Chase and Ambulance 705 from Kensington to a personal injury collision on the Inner Loop of I-495 between Connecticut and Georgia Avenues. Engine 719 and Ambulance 719 from Silver Spring were sent to check the Outer Loop, which is a normal procedure for calls on the Capital Beltway.
E707 arrived on scene and notified responding units that a car was struck by a transit bus, with one person trapped. The rear of the car had sustained significant damage, trapping the driver. Seconds later, Rescue Squad 741 arrived on the scene. Its crew of three personnel immediately began work to stabilize the vehicle and protect the patient before commencing extrication operations. The squad crew then used the Squad’s Amkus hydraulic spreaders to remove the driver’s side doors while the engine crew assisted with removal of the windshield. The squad and engine crews then used two hydraulic cutters in a simultaneous operation to cut and remove the roof. This procedure, involving personnel from E707, E719 and RS741, allowed the medical crew easy access to the patient.
Once the patient was extricated from the vehicle, Ambulance 705 transported the patient to the trauma center at Suburban Hospital with the paramedic from the engine crew.
RS741 returned to service within 30 minutes of arrival on scene.
###
Monday, January 18, 2010
Auto Extrication in Parking Garage
January 11, 2010
The Rescue Squad's day staff was confronted with an unusual extrication when an auto lost control and became wedged between two concrete slabs as it entered a multi-level office parking garage on Rockledge Drive in Bethesda.
Rescue Squad 741 and Ambulance 726 were dispatched along with Engine 726 for an automobile collision in the parking garage at 6700 Rockledge Drive. The units from Station 26 arrived on scene, reported that they had one person trapped, and requested Medic 741. Reports were that the vehicle suddenly accelerated as it entered the garage and traveled into a parking space in front of the entrance gate. The vehicle’s engine compartment became wedged between the floor of the parking garage where the car entered and the ramp to the floor above, which was also the ceiling of the level below the collision. The front portion of the car, including the wheels, was hanging over another car parked on the floor below. The patient’s hand was pinned between the sedan’s dashboard and its “A” post, which was crushed by the impact of the concrete slab with the base of the windshield.
Rescue Squad 741’s crew used hydraulic spreaders, cutters, and hand tools to remove the driver’s side door, but that did not release the driver’s hand. They then nosed the squad truck into the entrance of the garage so that the squad’s mounted winch could be used to pull the vehicle away from the base of the concrete slab. After moving the car just a few inches, the pressure was released and the patient’s hand was freed. The entire operation took about 20 minutes.
Medic 741 evaluated the patient, bandaged her hand, and, after receiving a radio medical consultation with a Suburban Hospital Emergency Department physician, transported the patient to the hand trauma specialty center at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Rescue Squad Chief Edward Sherburne also responded on the incident and took command of the operation.
The vehicle also struck the garage’s sprinkler system, causing significant damage, which further complicated the operation. Montgomery County fire marshals and building inspectors arrived on scene to evaluate structural damage but found none.
###
The Rescue Squad's day staff was confronted with an unusual extrication when an auto lost control and became wedged between two concrete slabs as it entered a multi-level office parking garage on Rockledge Drive in Bethesda.
Rescue Squad 741 and Ambulance 726 were dispatched along with Engine 726 for an automobile collision in the parking garage at 6700 Rockledge Drive. The units from Station 26 arrived on scene, reported that they had one person trapped, and requested Medic 741. Reports were that the vehicle suddenly accelerated as it entered the garage and traveled into a parking space in front of the entrance gate. The vehicle’s engine compartment became wedged between the floor of the parking garage where the car entered and the ramp to the floor above, which was also the ceiling of the level below the collision. The front portion of the car, including the wheels, was hanging over another car parked on the floor below. The patient’s hand was pinned between the sedan’s dashboard and its “A” post, which was crushed by the impact of the concrete slab with the base of the windshield.
Rescue Squad 741’s crew used hydraulic spreaders, cutters, and hand tools to remove the driver’s side door, but that did not release the driver’s hand. They then nosed the squad truck into the entrance of the garage so that the squad’s mounted winch could be used to pull the vehicle away from the base of the concrete slab. After moving the car just a few inches, the pressure was released and the patient’s hand was freed. The entire operation took about 20 minutes.
Medic 741 evaluated the patient, bandaged her hand, and, after receiving a radio medical consultation with a Suburban Hospital Emergency Department physician, transported the patient to the hand trauma specialty center at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Rescue Squad Chief Edward Sherburne also responded on the incident and took command of the operation.
The vehicle also struck the garage’s sprinkler system, causing significant damage, which further complicated the operation. Montgomery County fire marshals and building inspectors arrived on scene to evaluate structural damage but found none.
###
Wanted: Volunteer EMTs, Paramedics, and Firefighters
It’s 4:27 p.m. and the alarm sounds. The call is a multiple car accident on the Beltway. They need your help. You jump into action with the rest of the Squad.
Nothing can match your excitement when you hear the alarm. The exhilaration of diving into your gear and running for the ambulance or the squad truck. The satisfaction of knowing that you may save a life tonight.
The Rescue Squad's volunteers are a tight, elite group that makes a valuable contribution to our community. The training and rewarding life experiences you gain--as well as your value to the community--make the Rescue Squad an organization that can change your life.
Interested in becoming a member of the Rescue Squad? Members stand duty one night per week from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. No experience is needed. All training is provided free of charge either at the Rescue Squad or at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy.
For more information, visit www.bccrs.org , call our membership hotline, 301-657-5557, or email membership@bccrs.org .
Nothing can match your excitement when you hear the alarm. The exhilaration of diving into your gear and running for the ambulance or the squad truck. The satisfaction of knowing that you may save a life tonight.
The Rescue Squad's volunteers are a tight, elite group that makes a valuable contribution to our community. The training and rewarding life experiences you gain--as well as your value to the community--make the Rescue Squad an organization that can change your life.
Interested in becoming a member of the Rescue Squad? Members stand duty one night per week from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. No experience is needed. All training is provided free of charge either at the Rescue Squad or at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy.
For more information, visit www.bccrs.org , call our membership hotline, 301-657-5557, or email membership@bccrs.org .
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