Statement for case #14-0001

This is a statement for case #14-0001. It will outline the events prior to the call as well as the actions taken during the call b !irefighters and "aramedics. #n $anuar 01% &014 medic engine '( and ambulance '( was dispatched to 1&'4 )app *ane. +edic engine '( and ambulance '( went en route from station '( at 1'0& with lights and sirens. The received dispatch information as a fall victim. ,t 1'04 -ust prior to arrival on scene% dispatch rela ed further information. The new information was that the patient had a vehicle fall on them. The patient was also pinned under the vehicle. .pon receiving this information medic engine '( re/uested a helicopter for medical evacuation. , heav rescue unit was also re/uested for e0trication. ,t 1'01 medic engine '( and ambulance '( arrived on scene. The scene was evaluated and it was determined that it was secure. #ne patient was identified. The vehicle2s tires were chocked for stabili3ation. In the drivewa % a 4hevrolet Tahoe was upright% parked% and facing north. The drivewa had a slope with the high side being against the attached garage% and the low side at the street. The back driver2s side wheel was removed. , trapped victim was located under the vehicle. 5ith bod substance isolation in place% the patient was approached. The victims torso and legs where ne0t to the vehicle. The patients head was pinned between the disc brakes of the vehicle and the drivewa . The victim was grasping at the vehicle. ,n airwa could not be evaluated due to the location of the obstruction. The rotor of the disc brake sat directl on the patients left e e. , strong and regular pulse was detected along with chest rise and fall. 6aseline vital signs were noted to be within normal limits. , 14 gauge intravenous catheter was established on the patients left arm in the antecubital vein. , sedative was administered to calm the patient. , bolus of normal saline was started to compensate for the blood loss. , b stander suggested that a nearb -ack be used to lift the vehicle. The idea was discussed among rescue personnel. It was decided not to use the -ack. It was feared to be what failed to cause the initial incident. If the -ack was used again after lifting the vehicle a second fall could further in-ure the patient. The b stander then stated that he had a -ack at his house that could be used. It was also decided not to use unfamiliar e/uipment that could cause further in-ur . It was determined that the appropriate -ack was on the heav rescue% which was on the wa to the scene. That particular -ack was familiar to the rescue team and tested annuall to ensure its safe operation. ,t this point the sirens from the heav rescue could be heard. ,n estimated time of arrival of the -ack was less than one minute.

#nce the heav rescue arrived% the e0trication team began evaluating the scene. The determined that a bottle st le -ack was to be used. 5ood cribbing would be stacked to prevent the load from descending after lifting progress was made. The -ack was placed under a frame rail to make for solid and predictable lifting. 5ood four b four cribbing was stacked two per la er making a bo0 that would serve to capture progress. #nce all e/uipment was in place the lift started. #nce enough pressure was taken off of the victims head he slid himself out from under the vehicle. )e immediatel grabbed for his head. )is 7lasgow coma score was 1&. Three points deducted for the incomprehensible sounds. The patient had also pulled his intravenous catheter out from his uncontrollable movement. The patient was held down to prevent an movement that could cause further in-ur . It was believed that cervical spine in-ur was likel % therefore patient was log rolled onto a long backboard with cervical spine precautions taken. , cervical collar was applied along with straps to secure the patient to the backboard. Towel rolls were secured ne0t to the patients head to prevent movement% and to provide some absorption. ,nother 14 gauge antecubital intravenous catheter was placed on the patient2s right side. The medical crew form the helicopter had arrived to see the patient flailing his arms. The immediatel provided sedation to the patient. ,nother set of vital signs were taken as well as an electrocardiogram. The patient became more rela0ed% resting his arms. The patient was then lifted on to the stretcher. Straps applied to secure the patient to the stretcher. The patient was then loaded into the ambulance to provide transportation to the helicopters landing 3one. The patient was taken to the helicopter and loaded without incident. ,fter the incident the crew talked about the call. 8othing significant was talked about. 9ver one involved felt safe during the lifting operation. #nl concern for the patient and his outcome was discussed. Two ears later the crews met the victim. The victim informed the crew that he was tr ing to free a stuck bolt with a wrench causing the vehicle to fall off of the -ack. ,fter a few weeks sta in the intensive care unit% the victim was en-o ing a normal life. )e told the crew that he was grateful for the service that was provided.