Lakeside Units Assist El Cajon with Vehicle Rescue

El Cajon - On Thursday, October 14th, 2010 at 12:02 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center dispatched two structural engines, an ALS medic unit, and battalion chief to westbound Interstate 8 just west of 2nd Street, for a vehicle that had left the freeway and was now at the bottom of a flood control channel. Initial reports had indicated that the vehicle was also on fire.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station), they discovered a sedan at the bottom of Forester Creek. Bystanders had climbed into the channel to assist the occupants and extinguished a small fire. Because of the location a rescue unit was requested for their technical rescue equipment. Rescue 18 (San Miguel Fire, Crest Station) was dispatched to the incident.

On the arrival of Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), they accessed the channel and initiated advanced life support for a patient with traumatic injuries. Battalion 3, Chief Snow (Heartland Fire Rescue Department) took over the incident command role.

Lakeside Fire Engineer Joe Vasquez and Firefighter Nate Fox remove equipment from Forester Creek after the victims had been transported.

A second patient was located so a request for an additional ALS medic unit was made. Medic 5 (Santee Fire, Carlton Hills) was dispatched to transport one of the patients to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

A system of ropes and ladders was constructed and both victims were removed from the scene. Medic 3 transported the second patient to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center also.

Units on scene:

Battalion 3: Heartland Fire Rescue Department
Engine 3: Lakeside
Engine 26s: Lakeside
Rescue 18: San Miguel
Medic 3: Lakeside
Medic 5: Santee

This is another example of the efficient automatic aid system that benefits the citizens throughout the Heartland area.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. CalTrans crews responded immediately to replace fencing damaged in the incident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District