Lakeside Firefighters Assist with Vehicle Extrication In Crest

Crest:  Just after 6:30 p.m. on March 27, 2011, Lakeside Fire Battalion 1 and Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) were dispatched to assist the Battalion 6,  E18, E19 and M17 with a rollover vehicle accident at the intersection of La Cresta Blvd near the top of the grade in Crest.

The underside of the Ferrari

While enroute, R3 learned that this was a rollover vehicle accident involving a Ferrari and extrication would be needed to remove the patients from the car.  On scene, it was discovered that the vehicle was on its roof with two occupants trapped inside.

Extrication was initiated in conjunction with medical treatment of the patients.  In an extrication with a vehicle on its roof, there are additional steps which must be taken to ensure patient safety.  The vehicle must first be stabilized so it does not come down on the patients as the roof is removed.  As you can see from the photos, there are several tools used to complete this process.  In this instance, crews used lifting bags, crib stacks (the stacked 4x4's in the picture), and stabilizing struts to elevate the vehicle enough to gain access to the patients.

This example is precisely why Lakeside Fire Protection District has a dedicated Rescue unit that is essentially a mobile tool box with equipment available to tackle even the toughest extrications.

The patients were extricated from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital. CHP is investigating the accident.

Photos and Story Submitted By:  Firefighter / Paramedic Danny Leetch