Two Trapped after Crash Involving School Bus by Rescue Captain Julius Marosfalvi Jr. 5/21/2008
On Monday, May 19, 2008, at 14:35 Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company responded to a multiple vehicle accident involving a school bus that left two persons trapped in a car. Initially dispatched as an auto accident on Charlestown Road near Buckwalter Road, the call type was quickly upgraded to an accident with entrapment when dispatchers received additional information. The police department arrived on the scene and confirmed the entrapment.
The first arriving ambulance, MICU 67-5 from West End Fire Company of Phoenixville, determined that no children were on the bus and began treating the patients trapped in the vehicle next to the bus. Two medical helicopters were requested due to the nature of the injuries of those trapped. Upon the arrival of Rescue 68 and Engine 68-1, personnel began the extrication process. Deputy Chief 68, Kevin Geiger, coordinated the rescue efforts as the Operations Officer while Fire Chief 68, Rick Beittel, took charge of the overall scene and established Charlestown Road Command.
As the second MICU from West End and the remaining station 68 units arrived, the extrication process continued. The child in the back seat was removed quickly however the driver of the vehicle was trapped more precariously. Rescue personnel had to work in tight quarters with the school bus resting against the driver side of the vehicle and a large tree against the other side. Once the vehicle was stabilized, the bus was carefully moved to create enough room for rescue workers to safely cut away the driver’s side door. Crews severed all the roof supports in order to remove the entire roof which created addition room for EMS personnel as well as the much needed space to safely remove the victim.
Just as the driver was being extricated, two medical evacuation helicopters (Medevac-3 and PennStar-2) arrived on the scene. The extrication of the driver was completed just 22 minutes after the first unit arrived on the scene. Both the driver and the child were flown to trauma centers.
Charlestown Road was closed for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the police completed their investigation and accident debris was cleared. A job well done by all emergency workers from Valley Forge Fire Company, West End Ambulance, and Schuylkill Township Police.
Click on the images below to enlarge:
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Photos contributed by Walt Bohn from West End Fire Company as well as by Valley Forge Fire Company personnel.
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