CALL OF THE QUARTER
CALL OF THE QUARTER
On December 29, 1998 at approximately 9:35 pm, the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew responded to a motor vehicle accident on Back Run Road. Upon arrival, we found that the vehicle had run off the road and rolled into the creek that was adjacent to the roadway.
The patient had kicked out the window and ran to a nearby house for help. On our arrival there, we found the patient laying down on the floor. He had multiple cuts and abrasions but otherwise fine.
The trooper on scene determined that the vehicle was traveling too fast for the road and hit a patch of black ice. It had been raining all day and now it was beginning to freeze up. This in turn caused the patient to lose control of the vehicle and run into the creek.
On assessment of the patient, we determined that he had cuts and abrasion to his head and back; a laceration to his forehead; and abrasions to his right arm. We immediately got him out of his wet clothes and wrapped him in some blankets. A C-collar was placed on him, and he was placed on a backboard with spider straps. Enroute, he was complaining about back and neck pain, and complaining about being cold.
After the patient left the scene, several members remained on scene to standby for the Glasgow Fire Department who were also called out. According to Chief Richard Spangler, approximately 15 gallons of fuel was leaking into the creek. This accident was now a Haz-Mat situation. Chief Spangler directed his crew to place absorbent pads and booms along the creek bed and over any visible signs of fuel leakage.
Rockbridge County Special Enforcement Officer Robert Weikel responded to the scene a short time later to oversee the operations. He along with several other firefighters performed a visual inspection downstream to check for signs of any fuel that might have floated by. Again, booms and pads were used.
After ensuring that all of the fuel had been picked up, the wrecker service hooked up the vehicle and towed it to the roadway where it would be transported to the garage.
After being checked out at the hospital, the patient was released later that night.
-- Written By: William Wheeler
