DATE OF INCIDENT:

12/11/22

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO INCIDENT:

Assistant Chief Brandon Delong
Firefighter Andrew Loomis
Firefighter Derek Mellnitz

DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT:

On This date Sunday, 12/11/2022 at 14:55 hrs. Castorland Fire Company was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Zecher Road in the Town of Croghan, Lewis County, New York. The weather at the time had a light snow covering the ground and roadway. Dispatch related a female caller reported her vehicle was on its side and she could not exit her vehicle. Dispatch related the caller did not think she was injured. Castorland’s response consisted of: Engine 2 with a crew of three, Rescue with a crew of 2, Utility 1 with a driver responded. Chief 2, S. Day, arrived on scene first within a few minutes along with a couple of firefighters. Chief 2 reported a vehicle on its side up against some trees with one female inside. Assistant Chief Day made contact with the occupant who was the driver. The occupant related she was alone with no passengers. The occupant related she could not get her seat belt undone. Chief Day related the occupant appeared to be uninjured. Firefighters gained access through the back of the hatchback vehicle in attempt to release the seatbelt and extricate the occupant. Chief Day and FF/ EMT Harrison gained access to the patient. The EMT Harrison was able to make access via the rear hatch back door. Chief Day was able to make access via the windshield that was removed by firefighters Beller and Metzler. During the initial patient assessment the female patient became unresponsive and began to have a seizure. The incident commander, Chief G. Ashline, was informed of the patient’s condition. Chief Ashline immediately gave the order to remove the roof top. Carthage Ambulance arrived and an EMT from the ambulance crew made access to the patient. The Carthage EMT provided immediate care for the patient during extrication. Engine 2’s crew deployed the Amkus AMK-25 Cutter from Engine 2. The crew stretched the hydraulic lines approximately 60 feet off the roadway. The crew initiated a roof removal by cutting passenger side A, B, C, D posts. The under carriage of the vehicle was resting against some trees. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle to the trees using heavy duty rachet straps and cribbing on the driver’s side. Firefighter Loomis took control of the cutter and proceeded to cut the posts. Firefighters Beller and Metzler removed the windshield while Chief Day maintained patient contact. Chief 3, B. Delong, arrived on scene and assisted with the removal of the roof. Firefighter Mellnitz went to the top of the vehicle side and using webbing secured the driver and passenger doors open. This maneuver allowed easier extrication of the patient and speed up the process. FF/ EMT Harrison assisted Carthage Ambulance EMT's with care for the patient. When the roof removal was completed, the roof was folded down. The patient was placed on a back board, secured and carried up to the road, placed on the stretcher then moved to the Carthage ambulance. The patient was transported to the hospital. Two days later the driver made contact with the Chief and related she was just released from the hospital and will have a full recovery. She related her desire to thank the firemen for their service and care provided to her in her time of need.