This past Saturday, while traveling through Dorchester County on Highway 61 near Givhans, we encountered a motor vehicle accident that had just happened. It involved a large SUV and a small pickup truck hitting head-on. Other than spectators, there was no one on scene yet. David Reindollar and I were traveling with our wives and realized that we needed to aid the injured. The driver of the SUV was out and walking around and the passenger of the truck also had climbed out with minor injuries. However, the driver of the truck was trapped and, although conscious, was suffering from multiple injuries. David and I calmed him as best we could and told him more help was on the way.
Many times, as a Chief in the fire department, I arrived first at an accident. There is no more amazing sound than to hear the calvary coming, electronic sirens on the medic units and Federal Q’s on the fire trucks. Saturday was no different as I knew what was about to happen. The guys hit the ground with tools and equipment in hand, quickly checked the walking wounded, and set out to extricate the driver of the small truck. What followed was an amazing display of multiple firefighters and paramedics working together to save a life. They cut the truck from around the patient, preventing any further injury before pulling him out, and placing him in the medic unit to transport him to further care.
While I knew most of these men, I seldom get an opportunity to watch them work under stress. It was really something to see and made me proud to be a resident of Dorchester County. I also overheard their “hot wash” discussion where they discussed what they could have done better. My hat is off to them all for an excellent job and working to constantly improve themselves.
Thanks, guys, for letting me observe. It is amazing to watch the future of the Fire Service and EMS in action.
I have included a scene photo with the pickup truck cropped out of respect the injured. GGM