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LBFD Firefighter Performs Rescue to Protect the Community
By frhayes | March 24, 2009
On Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 8:00 A.M. Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units Engine 12, Engine11, Rescue 12, BLS16, Truck 11, and Battalion Chief 3 responded to a reported overturned vehicle On the North Bound 710 Freeway, At the transition to the West Bound 91 Freeway, in LONG BEACH, CA 90805.
Upon arrival Engine 12 observed a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) moving at approximately 20 miles per hour on an easement just off of the freeway. The driver of the vehicle was unconscious. Multiple calls received by the LBFD dispatch center reported that the driver was unconscious prior to leaving the freeway. The vehicle ultimately began doing “donuts” on the easement way, with the potential of being diverted back on to the freeway putting the public in eminent danger.
Firefighter (FF) Dotts assigned to Engine 12 waited for the opportune time to leap on to the drivers side mirror for balance, and then reached into the vehicle in front of the driver to pull the lever on the steering column, to place the vehicle into park. During this time period the vehicle was traveling at approximately 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) and was dragging FF Dotts along the easement way with the potential of him being run over if he lost control of his grasp on the drivers side mirror.
Once the vehicle was stopped the crew of Engine 12 began evaluating the medical condition of the driver. The patient was a male approximately 40 years of age who was found to be unconscious and unresponsive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) along with Advanced Life Support (ALS) interventions were undertaken with rapid transport to a local hospital for continued treatment. Tragically even with the quick response, coordinated rescue and rapid treatment and transport the patient succumbed to his medical condition.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is taking the lead on investigating the cause of the accident, with the cooperation of the Long Beach Police Department.
This incident occurred in council district 9 with a total of 7 apparatus and 21 personnel responding to this call.
One interview was given to Channel 5, this story will be profiled on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 6:30 and 10:00 P.M. newscasts, and there is also a video, and a write up on their web page.
Topics: Incidents | 30 Comments »