| An afternoon accident in Edgewater Park required the response of Rescue Engine 1613. The 3:15 pm accident in front of 1004 Cooper Street on October 12th involved one vehicle hitting a utility pole. The Chrysler minivan struck a pole and caused both the driver's and passenger's side doors to become wedged shut. Beverly Fire Department Deputy Chief Meyers arrived on scene and immediately called for a rescue unit since both occupants of the vehicle were unable to get out. The vehicle had left the roadway after hitting the pole and ended up between the pole and the pole's guidewires.
EMT's from Beverly EMS arrived on scene and started to check both occupants for injuries. Firefighters from Beverly Engine 1224 removed the battery from the vehicle to prevent the possibility of the accidental starting of the vehicle, or deployment of airbags. Rescue Engine 1613 arrived and Captain Sitzenstock of the A Platoon immediately sized-up the situation to determine how to extricate the vehicle's occupants.
Firefighter Fresco started to stabilize the vehicle to prevent it from moving during the rescue. Firefighter Robertson and 1613's Driver, Firefighter Friddell, started to prepare the Jaws of Life to remove the doors. Firefighter Robertson started to remove the driver's door first. Firefighter Robertson and Captain Sitzenstock alternated using the hydraulic spreaders to remove the door and Firefighter Fresco assisted with the hydraulic cutters.
Once the driver's door was removed, the crew made its way to the passenger's side of the van. Firefighter Fresco used the cutters to cut the guidewires so that the door could be easily accessed by Firefighter Robertson. Once the guidewires were cut, Firefighter Robertson was able to use the spreaders to open the door enough for EMS personnel to remove the occupant. The entire rescue was completed in about 10 minutes.
Both occupants were transported to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries. The accident was being investigated by the Edgewater Park Police Department. Engine 1613 was cleared from the scene at 3:43 pm. |
