Mineola Firefighters free trapped driver (11/08/05)
On the afternoon of Tuesday November 8th, as many Mineola residents were out casting their ballot, the Mineola Fire Department was alerted for an Auto Accident at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Wardwell Road. The initial call reported a spill at the scene of an Motor Vehicle Accident. Assistant Chief Connolly arrived on scene to find a Tractor trailer had collided with an SUV. Traffic was at a stand still and a large antifreeze spill enveloped the scene creating a very slippery roadway. As Chief Connolly approached the vehicles he was met by Nassau County Police Officers who informed him that the Passenger of the SUV had been removed but the driver was trapped in his vehicle. Nassau County Police Emergency Services Unit had been requested but they had an extended travel time. Chief Connolly notified FIRECOM to advise all Mineola units that they were responding to a "Confirmed Pin". The Chief requested a forthwith response from the Mineola FD Heavy Rescue 1610. Chief Holliday arrived on scene and the chiefs consulted with the Police AMT's who had begun first aid. The driver was in extreme pain and a compound fracture to his lower leg was evident. The AMT's indicated that the patient likely had internal injuries and that they needed him extricated as soon as possible. Police Officers on the scene were attempting to force open the driver's door but the impact had severely compromised the integrity of the vehicle. Heavy Rescue 1610 arrived on scene moments later and began setting up the AMKUS rescue system commonly known as the "Jaws of Life". Truck Two Firefighters Carl Nunziata and Brian Saks began operating the Jaws to disentangle the vehicle from the entrapped patient. Ex-Chief Rich Kotowski backed up the team as Junior firefighter Carl Nunziata brought cribbing up to the scene to stabilize the vehicle. Chief Gayson had arrived on scene and directed Firefighters from Engine One to focus on containing the spill and mitigating the hazardous roadway condition created by the accident. The Truck Two members continued to operate on the vehicle while being mindful of the condition of the patient still entrapped. Using their skill and knowledge of vehicle extrication the Firefighters were able to free the door and create an opening large enough to remove the patient. Working together, Mineola Firefighters and Police AMT's placed the patient on to a backboard and delivered him to an awaiting ambulance. The Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps was also operating at the scene and transported the driver of the Tractor Trailer. The rapid response of skilled firefighters made a difference in this emergency operation. The Mineola Fire Department is equipped with the tools and the talent to complete a rescue of this nature. Our Firefighters conduct regular training on vehicle extrication both in house and at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. Drills are also conducted with the MVAC. Heavy Rescue Unit 1610 has served the department for nearly 20 years and has been used at several vehicle extrications. This vehicle will soon be replaced with an updated vehicle which will include a pre-connected Jaws of Life to reduce the set-up time at an accident scene.
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