One Trapped, Upside Down, Underwater

Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched as the squad for the report of a vehicle accident with entrapment in the area of Columbia Park Road and 64th Ave. Engine Co 38 arrived and confirmed that one vehicle had left the roadway, gone through a fence, down a 30 foot embankment and overturned, coming to rest upside down in Beaverdam Creek. The Rescue Engine crew arrived and began to carry extrication equipment to the bank, where they were able to confirm that the driver was still in the car, with his arm pinned underneath the roof. With the driver barely able to hold his head above water, it was immediately apparent that speed and efficiency would be a top priority in this operation. After using the Holmatro tools to gain access to the vehicle, on member was able to enter the vehicle, but the victim remained trapped. Unable to see through the murky water and working only by his sense of touch the Rescue Engine Barman was able to slide a high pressure air bag between to roof and the rocky creek floor. Inflating the first bag made just enough room for a second, which the Canman had at the ready. With the second bag in place, the crew was able to create enough space to free the victim’s arm and removed him from the vehicle. He was placed in RE33’s Stokes basket, and carried up the hill, with Technical Rescue 806’s rope system attached as a safety. The victim was turned over to EMS and the crews returned to service after retrieving equipment from the ravine.
The victim was transported in serious but non-life threatening condition to an area hospital.
