March 9, 2011
Rescue Squad Assists Wheaton With Extricating Two Trapped
Rescue Squad 741 assisted with vehicle stabilization and extrication of two persons trapped in a minivan after an early morning 2-car T-bone crash in Wheaton.
Wheaton Rescue Squad requested B-CC to respond to assist with stabilization of the minivan, which had been struck by a Dodge Durango SUV in its passenger side door. The force of the impact spun the minivan around and rolled it onto its passenger side. The Durango than overrode the minivan so that the SUV’s front tires were almost 2 feet off the ground.
Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Reedie Drive to find that Wheaton had begun stabilizing the minivan using Paratech struts and ratchet straps. But because of the SUV’s precarious position with its front end sitting on top of the minivan, Wheaton Chief 742 directed the Squad crew to set up a redundant stabilization system. The crew did this by putting a Paratech strut at the minivan’s A post, tying it back to a nearby tree, and placing wedges and cribbing in voids underneath the vehicle.
Once the minivan was stabilized, crews began preparing the SUV to be pulled away from the minivan in order to provide access so that the roof could be removed. However, one of the patients crawled out of the vehicle through the front windshield, which had been removed. Rescue Squad 741’s crew then determined that the other patient was only entangled in the rear view mirror. That was quickly cut away, enabling quick removal of the patient from the second vehicle.
Both patients were assessed by Wheaton Rescue Squad ambulances and transported to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Celebrates its Newest EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedic
March 11, 2011
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Members Honored in Graduation Ceremonies
Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, were honored in graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Training Academy today. Nine Rescue Squad volunteers were recognized for completing training programs to become emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters.
Rescue Squad Volunteer Carl Cowan completed 982 hours of classwork to attain Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) status. EMT-P certification is the highest level of medical training for pre-hospital care providers at the Rescue Squad. EMT-Ps are trained to treat life-threatening conditions and administer specialized drugs to patients experiencing health emergencies. Skills include cardiac monitoring, 12-lead EKG interpretation, and administering IVs.
Five Rescue Squad volunteers – Justin Ackerman, Madeline Blank, Vanessa Damm, Hannah Sherman, and Jessica Steinbeck – completed the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic program. EMT-B is the first level of formalized medical training required for all Rescue Squad volunteers. The training program consists of 131 hours of classroom time, in-hospital clinical requirements, and testing, in addition to countless hours spent riding Rescue Squad ambulances on actual emergency calls. EMT-Bs perform a variety of skills, including patient assessment, basic life support, and use of automated external defibrillators.
Volunteer Vanessa Damm carried on the Rescue Squad tradition of academic excellence by receiving the prestigious Richard B. Thompson Award for top academic performance in her EMT-B class. Ms. Damm’s name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Training Academy and carries the names of EMT class top finishers (including many Rescue Squad members) stretching back more than 30 years.
Rescue Squad volunteers Eily Hayes, Thomas Lowery, and Udana Torian completed Montgomery County’s rigorous Firefighting Class. The 162-hour course consists of extensive classroom instruction as well as physically demanding practical training, including live firefighting exercises. Training includes not only extinguishing fires, search and rescue techniques, and incident command, but also skills needed to address a variety of emergency situations involving hazardous materials, electrical equipment, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and many others.
All Rescue Squad volunteers and staff receive professional training and exceed state standards, in addition to completing our rigorous in-house training programs.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Members Honored in Graduation Ceremonies
Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, were honored in graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Training Academy today. Nine Rescue Squad volunteers were recognized for completing training programs to become emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters.
Rescue Squad Volunteer Carl Cowan completed 982 hours of classwork to attain Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) status. EMT-P certification is the highest level of medical training for pre-hospital care providers at the Rescue Squad. EMT-Ps are trained to treat life-threatening conditions and administer specialized drugs to patients experiencing health emergencies. Skills include cardiac monitoring, 12-lead EKG interpretation, and administering IVs.
Five Rescue Squad volunteers – Justin Ackerman, Madeline Blank, Vanessa Damm, Hannah Sherman, and Jessica Steinbeck – completed the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic program. EMT-B is the first level of formalized medical training required for all Rescue Squad volunteers. The training program consists of 131 hours of classroom time, in-hospital clinical requirements, and testing, in addition to countless hours spent riding Rescue Squad ambulances on actual emergency calls. EMT-Bs perform a variety of skills, including patient assessment, basic life support, and use of automated external defibrillators.
Volunteer Vanessa Damm carried on the Rescue Squad tradition of academic excellence by receiving the prestigious Richard B. Thompson Award for top academic performance in her EMT-B class. Ms. Damm’s name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Training Academy and carries the names of EMT class top finishers (including many Rescue Squad members) stretching back more than 30 years.
Rescue Squad volunteers Eily Hayes, Thomas Lowery, and Udana Torian completed Montgomery County’s rigorous Firefighting Class. The 162-hour course consists of extensive classroom instruction as well as physically demanding practical training, including live firefighting exercises. Training includes not only extinguishing fires, search and rescue techniques, and incident command, but also skills needed to address a variety of emergency situations involving hazardous materials, electrical equipment, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and many others.
All Rescue Squad volunteers and staff receive professional training and exceed state standards, in addition to completing our rigorous in-house training programs.
Rescue Squad Extricates One Trapped on Beltway Ramp
March 3, 2011
Rescue Squad Extricates One Trapped on Beltway Ramp
Rescue Squad crews extricated the driver of a vehicle trapped as a result of a collision on the ramp from Rockville Pike onto the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway.
Ambulance 741C and Rescue Squad 741, along with Engine 720 from Bethesda, were dispatched for a collision on the right shoulder of northbound Rockville Pike at the ramp to the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway. Units arrived on scene to find a car on the ramp that had been sideswiped on the driver’s side door. The door had been pushed inside of the rocker panel, trapping the driver.
The Rescue Squad crew quickly dropped the car onto step chocks and then began cutting. They popped the driver’s door using hydraulic spreaders, and were able to open the rear door on the driver's side. This allowed them to cut the B post without having to remove the rear door. First they cut the top using hydraulic cutters,which provided greater access to the bottom of the post. A single cut at the bottom, where the post joins the bottom of the door, enabled the crew to fold the door out and quickly finish the job. They could then remove the rear door and the post from the vehicle in one piece.
The patient was placed on a backboard, removed from the vehicle, and transported with non-traumatic injuries to Suburban Hospital by Ambulance 741C.
Rescue Squad Extricates One Trapped on Beltway Ramp
Rescue Squad crews extricated the driver of a vehicle trapped as a result of a collision on the ramp from Rockville Pike onto the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway.
Ambulance 741C and Rescue Squad 741, along with Engine 720 from Bethesda, were dispatched for a collision on the right shoulder of northbound Rockville Pike at the ramp to the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway. Units arrived on scene to find a car on the ramp that had been sideswiped on the driver’s side door. The door had been pushed inside of the rocker panel, trapping the driver.
The Rescue Squad crew quickly dropped the car onto step chocks and then began cutting. They popped the driver’s door using hydraulic spreaders, and were able to open the rear door on the driver's side. This allowed them to cut the B post without having to remove the rear door. First they cut the top using hydraulic cutters,which provided greater access to the bottom of the post. A single cut at the bottom, where the post joins the bottom of the door, enabled the crew to fold the door out and quickly finish the job. They could then remove the rear door and the post from the vehicle in one piece.
The patient was placed on a backboard, removed from the vehicle, and transported with non-traumatic injuries to Suburban Hospital by Ambulance 741C.
Rescue Squad Extricates One Trapped in Pickup Truck
February 28
Rescue Squad crews extricated one person trapped in a pick-up truck in a 4-vehicle collision on I-270 shortly after 4 p.m., at the beginning of the afternoon rush hour.
Initially, only Ambulance 741B and Engine 751B from the National Institutes of Health were dispatched to Northbound I-270 between the Beltway and Rockledge Drive for an injured person following a collision, with police on the scene. However, the NIH crew arrived on scene to find the collision to be under Old Georgetown Road, and requested that the Rescue Squad be dispatched for one person trapped.
Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene to find a pick-up truck against the median barrier and the driver trapped inside. The squad crew stabilized the vehicle using step chocks and began its extrication. They popped open the passenger side door using hydraulic spreaders, and then removed the roof by cutting the A and B posts on both sides of the vehicle. This provided easy access to the driver, who was quickly removed through the passenger side.
Ambulance 741B’s crew assessed the driver of the pick-up truck, who suffered only minor injuries, and transported him to Suburban Hospital. Ambulance 741C transported 2 additional patients from other vehicles to Suburban, as well.
Rescue Squad crews extricated one person trapped in a pick-up truck in a 4-vehicle collision on I-270 shortly after 4 p.m., at the beginning of the afternoon rush hour.
Initially, only Ambulance 741B and Engine 751B from the National Institutes of Health were dispatched to Northbound I-270 between the Beltway and Rockledge Drive for an injured person following a collision, with police on the scene. However, the NIH crew arrived on scene to find the collision to be under Old Georgetown Road, and requested that the Rescue Squad be dispatched for one person trapped.
Rescue Squad 741 arrived on scene to find a pick-up truck against the median barrier and the driver trapped inside. The squad crew stabilized the vehicle using step chocks and began its extrication. They popped open the passenger side door using hydraulic spreaders, and then removed the roof by cutting the A and B posts on both sides of the vehicle. This provided easy access to the driver, who was quickly removed through the passenger side.
Ambulance 741B’s crew assessed the driver of the pick-up truck, who suffered only minor injuries, and transported him to Suburban Hospital. Ambulance 741C transported 2 additional patients from other vehicles to Suburban, as well.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Rescue Squad responds to 48 incidents, including a stubborn house fire during January 26 storm
A snowstorm that paralyzed the D.C. Metropolitan area January 26 also brought challenges to the Rescue Squad with icy roads and sidewalks, paralyzed traffic, and numerous calls for help.
During the 24-hour period, Rescue Squad units from its main station and the satellite ambulance at Bethesda Station 26 responded to 48 incidents, with some requiring multiple units. This is more than double the number of calls in an average day. These calls included 1 working house fire, 7 box alarms, and 8 personal injury automobile collisions. Many of these calls were during snow conditions and required significant work.
Firefighters Face Live Wire, Downed Trees and Power Lines
The Rescue Squad responded along with units from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Naval Medical Center to a stubborn fire in the walls and floor joists between the basement and first floor in a 1930's era house on Roosevelt Street, near Suburban Hospital. It started when a tree fell and shorted the electric service line to the house. For the initial part of the incident the fire was being fed by an active electrical short.
The Rescue Squad crew gained access to the house and found it charged with smoke. Although they were able to quickly complete a primary search of the structure, deployment of initial firefighting hose lines was challenging because crews were blocked from vehicle access to the structure by downed power lines and trees on both sides of the house. There was also a live wire arcing near the electric meter. The fire extended into the walls of the house, which necessitated extensive overhaul operations to ensure that all of the fire was found and exposed. Firefighters from the Rescue Squad and other units ultimately used up all of the spare SCBA bottles on scene. Air Unit 716, from Silver Spring, was delayed in responding because it was tied up on a fire in another part of the county, but ultimately arrived on scene to refill bottles.
Neighborhood streets were very slippery, and apparatus was blocked out because of a fallen tree and wires across the street. In fact, another limb from the same tree fell during the incident and struck a firefighter. Fortunately, his protective gear did its job and he was able to walk away for evaluation of a minor injury by Medic 741.
"Excellent Team Effort"
The Rescue Squad was able to handle the large number of calls because of the many volunteer firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who came in to ride extra as a supplement to the Roving Crew that was on duty, and the Day Staff, which made an outstanding effort during their normal shift and that night as well. “The strong staffing that we had available for the night shift allowed us to handle this tremendous amount of calls," said Rescue Squad Chief Ned Sherburne. "This was an excellent team effort.”
During the 24-hour period, Rescue Squad units from its main station and the satellite ambulance at Bethesda Station 26 responded to 48 incidents, with some requiring multiple units. This is more than double the number of calls in an average day. These calls included 1 working house fire, 7 box alarms, and 8 personal injury automobile collisions. Many of these calls were during snow conditions and required significant work.
Firefighters Face Live Wire, Downed Trees and Power Lines
The Rescue Squad responded along with units from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Naval Medical Center to a stubborn fire in the walls and floor joists between the basement and first floor in a 1930's era house on Roosevelt Street, near Suburban Hospital. It started when a tree fell and shorted the electric service line to the house. For the initial part of the incident the fire was being fed by an active electrical short.
The Rescue Squad crew gained access to the house and found it charged with smoke. Although they were able to quickly complete a primary search of the structure, deployment of initial firefighting hose lines was challenging because crews were blocked from vehicle access to the structure by downed power lines and trees on both sides of the house. There was also a live wire arcing near the electric meter. The fire extended into the walls of the house, which necessitated extensive overhaul operations to ensure that all of the fire was found and exposed. Firefighters from the Rescue Squad and other units ultimately used up all of the spare SCBA bottles on scene. Air Unit 716, from Silver Spring, was delayed in responding because it was tied up on a fire in another part of the county, but ultimately arrived on scene to refill bottles.
Neighborhood streets were very slippery, and apparatus was blocked out because of a fallen tree and wires across the street. In fact, another limb from the same tree fell during the incident and struck a firefighter. Fortunately, his protective gear did its job and he was able to walk away for evaluation of a minor injury by Medic 741.
"Excellent Team Effort"
The Rescue Squad was able to handle the large number of calls because of the many volunteer firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who came in to ride extra as a supplement to the Roving Crew that was on duty, and the Day Staff, which made an outstanding effort during their normal shift and that night as well. “The strong staffing that we had available for the night shift allowed us to handle this tremendous amount of calls," said Rescue Squad Chief Ned Sherburne. "This was an excellent team effort.”
2010-2011 catch-up
Catch up on some major calls during November-January:
Crews Quickly Extricate Woman in North Bethesda Crash, January 24
Rescue Squad First on Scene of Weekday House Fire, December 22
Rescue Squad First on the Scene of Bethesda House Fire, November 30
Visit http://www.bccrs.org/action/index.html to read about these calls, as well as other interesting calls during 2010.
Crews Quickly Extricate Woman in North Bethesda Crash, January 24
Rescue Squad First on Scene of Weekday House Fire, December 22
Rescue Squad First on the Scene of Bethesda House Fire, November 30
Visit http://www.bccrs.org/action/index.html to read about these calls, as well as other interesting calls during 2010.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Rescue Squad Extricates Two After Head-On Collision
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.
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 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.
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