LBFD Uses “Jaws of Life” at 710 Freeway Accident to Free Victim From Wreakage of Vehicle That Fell 45 Feet From Overpass
By frhayes | July 29, 2009
On Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 6:16 P.M., Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units Engine 1, Engine 3, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 6, USAR 6, Rescue 2, and Battalion Chief 1 responded to a reported overturned vehicle on NB 710 FWY , At W ANAHEIM ST, LONG BEACH, CA 90813.
Upon arrival the units found a vehicle that left the Northbound 710 Bridge over the flood control and landed approximately 45 feet below on the 710 freeway. The vehicle narrowly missed two cars traveling below.
The occupants were both trapped, so LBFD units extricated them using the “Jaws of Life.” The 28 year old female passenger was transported by Rescue 1 to St Mary’s Medical Center and had moderate injuries. She is expected to survive.
The 38 year old driver was pronounced dead on the scene with major head and chest trauma.
The LBFD units on scene were assisted by the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Harbor Patrol, the cause of the accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
This incident occurred in City Council District One with a total of 8 apparatus and 22 personnel working at this incident for approximately one hour.
Topics: Incidents | 26 Comments »
LBFD Urban Search and Rescue Team Conducts Inflatable Rescue Boat Training In Preperation Of Potential Hurricane and Flooding Incidents
By frhayes | July 29, 2009
On Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th Members of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R) participated in Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) training off of the shoreline of Fire Station Six, near the Queen Mary. This training is also scheduled during the Month of August that will provide for all three shifts attendance.
The drill activities were comprised of; low speed approaches centered on a buoy that was meant to simulate moving towards a stationary object, such as roof tops or trees were victims involved in a flooding situation might be located, requiring rescue. J-turns were also practiced; this maneuver would be utilized when rescue boats would be required to navigate into and through swift moving water. The finial primary and most dangerous operation that was conducted involved victim pick-ups in the water. During any type of water rescue this procedure has no room for error, there might be only one opportunity to facilitate a rescue before the victim is lost.
This training was in preparation of the upcoming hurricane and rainy season where these personnel and equipment might be called upon. In August of last year the LBFD received an emergency request from the State of California, Office of Emergency Services (OES) asking us to respond our Swift Water Rescue Task Force 12 to the State of Louisiana, in response to anticipated damages, and possible rescues required due to Hurricane Gustav, and subsequent Hurricanes. This team comprised of 7 Firefighters and 7 Lifeguards operated in this area walking through knee-deep water and utilizing their IRB’s to conduct searches and perform rescues for approximately 3 weeks.
All of the personnel involved with these activities are part of the US&R team a group of highly trained individuals, which are prepared to take on the challenge of complex and technical rescue operations. The equipment utilized is all part of the cache that has been obtained through multiple different grant funds that the LBFD has been able to acquire. This combination of trained individuals and state of the art equipment form one of the very few Swift Water Task Forces in the Nation, and provides for the opportunity to better protect the citizens of Long Beach as well as those in need in different parts of the country.
Topics: Events | 21 Comments »
LBFD and Ports America Conduct “Man in the Water” Rescue Drill at Hanjin Terminal
By frhayes | July 28, 2009
On Monday, July 27thLong Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Engine 24, Boat 15 (Challenger) and Rescue Boat 2 partnered with Ports America, an environmental, health and safety division at the Hanjin Terminal to conduct a “Man in the Water” drill.
Over the years throughout the United States there have been incidents where dock workers and ships crew members have fallen into the water and required life saving intervention to get them back on to dry land. Falling into the water can be life threatening due to many different reasons, some of which are the weight of wet clothing, the inability to swim, cold water, with the rapid onset of hypothermia, and trauma causing unconsciousness or difficulty in normal movement.
The drill involved Ports America personnel throwing a floatation ring from the dock level to a simulated “Man in the Water” (Lifeguard). When ships are in port and loading or unloading commerce, specialized lifesaving sleds are placed between the dock and ship line at predetermined intervals for quick access. These sleds have a floatation ring, first aid kit, and rescue Stokes basket that can be used for varying types of injuries or accidents.
Engine 24, Rescue Boat 2 and Challenger were on scene to assist with the drill and provide the victim in the water. In an actual severe emergency the Paramedic from Engine 24 would most likely transfer to one of the boats which would transport the patient to LBFD station 15 where the dock would provide for easy patient transfer to a medical facility for continued medical treatment.
This drill provided a great opportunity to become familiar with the terminal layout and to meet and work with Ports America personnel, which the LBFD would do in a “Real” incident, and to re-enforce the importance of the rescue equipment, and it’s proper usage. It is also a prime example of how partnerships can help improve the safety of all the dockworkers and ships crew members who conduct business at the Hanjin Terminal.
Topics: Events | 23 Comments »
LBFD Crash Rigs Welcome National Guard Soldiers Home
By Jackawa Jackson | July 27, 2009
On the morning of July 18, The Long Beach Fire Department as well as hundreds of well wishers and family members were on hand for the arrival of 1498th Transportation Company to Long Beach airport. The 270 soldiers were with the National Guard and were returning from a year- long deployment in Iraq. LBFD Crash units put on a water display, which encircled the soldier’s arriving flight demonstrating our extreme admiration and appreciation toward these brave men and women. The 1498th was fortunate to have not suffered a single casualty to enemy fire during their tour. During their deployment, this company was responsible for the transportation of supplies and equipment throughout various locations in Iraq.
Topics: Events | 29 Comments »
Overturned Big On The 710 Freeway
By Jackawa Jackson | July 23, 2009
On the morning of July 23, 2009 at 9:36 am, Long Beach Fire Department units responded to the Eastbound PCH onramp to the North bound 710 freeway to a report of an overturned tractor-trailer. Upon arrival Engine 3 crewmembers found a loaded big rig on its side in the number 3 lane. Fortunately there were no vehicles in the number 3 lane at the time of the accident; otherwise, they undoubtedly would have been pinned beneath the wreckage. The driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. CHP will be investigating the cause of the accident. A total of 7 apparatus and 19 personnel responded to this call.
Topics: Incidents | 24 Comments »
