MVA/Rescue Assignment IFO 1638 Springdale Rd

On the evening of January 16th around 2000hrs, Ladder 1344, BLS 1396 & BLS 1393 responded to an MVA across from Springdale Farms. Upon arrival, Ladder 4A's officer Lt. Jim Collins, assessed the 2 car MVA and determined that 1 occupant from vehicle 1 was trapped while occupants in vehicle 2 were out of their pick up truck and complaining of neck and back pain. The assignment was then upgraded to a Rescue Box. Rescue 13, Battalion 13, EMS 13 and 1392 responded. Ladder 4's crew stabilized vehicle 1 and started removing the front and rear driver's side doors. Upon Rescue 13's arrival, it was determined that the occupants foot was pinned under the dashboard. Hydraulic tools from 1344 and Rescue 13 were then used to lift the dashboard. The occupant was then extricated and transported to Virtua Voorhees.

B Group Petrogen Training

On January 26, 2011 the members of Squad 13 and Squrt 1331/Rescue 13 received training in the use of the Petrogen Torch Cutting System. Under the direction of FF. Mac Dermott, Lt. DiRenzo and Battalion Chief Stallfort, CHFD members received a period of classroom instruction followed by a series of practical evolutions. The Petrogen Torch Cutting System utilizes gasoline and oxygen to create a cutting torch that can cut through steel by oxidizing the steel 100% therefore, making rescue safer for victims and rescuers. The system is ideal for structural collapse and confined space rescue. Members must be trained in the proper use of the Petrogen Torch including proper set-up, lighting procedures, cutting procedures, extinguishment, take-down and clean-up after use. Member and victim safety are also stressed as well as trouble shooting procedures. The Petrogen Torch Cutting System is the primary cutting system used by CHFD members from the cache of cutting systems available to members including the oxy-acetylene Torch, map gas torch and slice pack.

Hazmat 13 Operates At Gloucester City Building Collapse

On Saturday January 15th, Gloucester City FD Battalion 504 (Williams) arrived at the Holt's Marine Terminal to find a substantial collapse of a warehouse roof structure.  After an investigation by Gloucester City Squad 51, it was discovered that an R-22 distribution line within the collapsed area ruptured, causing a large, concentrated vapor cloud to form within the building.  Based upon these findings, Hazmat 13 was requested to the scene along with Camden City Rescue 1.  Members of Hazmat 13 conducted air monitoring while research on the product was conducted. Once the product was identified and confirmed, private contractors isolated the source from a remote storage vessel. The building was ventilated and air monitoring was continued until meter readings were within permissible range. Hazmat 13 operated for approximately 3 hours on the incident.

Trapped Motorist Rescued from Vehicle during Snow Fall

During the light but steady snowfall this Saturday, January 8th, at around 12:45 pm a motorist struck a telephone pole and guardrail at Church Road and Woods Road near the Yale School Academy.  Squrt 1351, Rescue 13, Battalion 13 and BLS 1392 were dispatched for a reported accident involving one car into a pole with the driver trapped inside.  Squrt 1351 arrived and confirmed this report stating they had one car into a pole with the driver's legs pinned under the dash, but uninjured otherwise.  Squrt 1351's crew began stabilizing the vehicle and securing power while a precautionary hose line was stretched.  At the 10 minute mark Rescue 13 and Battalion 13  arrived.  Patient access was given so BLS 1392's personnel could evaluate the victim while the Rescue and Squrt's crew began removing the doors and making the necessary cuts to perform a modified dash roll.  Once a few inches were gained between the dash and the victim's legs, she was able to slide herself out of the vehicle unharmed.  The patient was transported to the hospital via BLS 1392 to be checked out further.  The extrication was complete within 25 minutes of dispatch.

Rescue making a relief cut in the top rail

A cut was made first in the lower end of the A post

Crews performing the modified dash roll with the spreaders

Both doors were removed to open up up for patient access.  Cuts can be
seen on the A B and C Posts.  These were made as prep work for
a back up plan if the dash roll did not work.

The top rail is cut just behind the strut typically in the area of the wheel
well to act as a relief cut when pushing the dash