Vehicle Rescue on the Slaughterhouse Grade

Moreno Valley-

On Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at 5:34 a.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call about a driver that had impacted the rear of a semi truck on northbound Highway 67 just north of Slaughterhouse Canyon Rd. Dispatched to the incident were two structural engines, a rescue company, a ALS medic unit, and a chief officer.

Crews evaluate the extent of entrapment.

While units were still responding to the incident a SDPD officer arrived and reported that the occupant was trapped. With the arrival of Engine 2 (River Park Station) they reported a full size SUV with a single occupant trapped in the front seat. The crews initiated medical care and made an effort to see that there was no potential for fire.

Crews start the task of removing the dash from the victims legs.

Crews remove the back of the drivers seat. This facilitates removing the victim on a backboard.

With the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) a plan was developed to free the occupant. During the rescue operations the crew faced a number of challenges as the damage to the vehicle had compressed the occupants legs under the dash. After a number of plan revisions the occupant was freed. Care of the patient was transferred to the paramedics on Medic 2. After a brief assessment the patient was transported to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

A total of 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. The accident is currently being investigated by the CHP.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photos By: Fire Engineer Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Protection District

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