Fire Blotter: Firefighters Use Jaws of Life to Rescue Crash Victim

The Arcadia Fire Department responded to a variety of emergency calls during the week of October 14-20, 2012. The following is a breakdown of incident types recorded for this time period:

Fires: 2
EMS/Rescues: 60
Hazardous Materials: 2
Public Service Assistance: 4
Good Intent Calls: 7
False Alarms: 10
Total Incident Count: 85

Jaw of Life Rescue

At 11:43 a.m. on Oct. 14, Engine 107, Engine 105, Rescue Ambulance 105, Truck 105, and Battalion 105 responded to a traffic collision with reports of a person trapped in the 00 block of West Orange Grove Avenue. Fire personnel investigated a two vehicle traffic collision; One vehicle was overturned. Truck 105 personnel utilized the Jaws of Life to extricate one patient from the overturned vehicle. The patient received advanced life support at the scene, including full spinal immobilization, wound care, intravenous access, oxygen therapy and 12-lead cardiac monitoring. The patient was transported to Huntington Memorial Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment. The driver of the second vehicle sustained no injuries and refused medical treatment or transport.

Bicyclist Hit by Car

At 6:34 p.m. on Oct. 15, Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a reported auto vs. bicyclist accident in the intersection of Vaquero Road and Murietta Drive. Fire crews evaluated a man complaining of head pain. Paramedics assessed the patient and transported him to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Pregnant Woman Has Trouble Breathing

At 7:49 p.m. on Oct. 16, Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 5800 block of South Baldwin Avenue. Fire crews evaluated a pregnant woman suffering from shortness of breath. Paramedics administered advanced life support measures on scene, including establishing venous access, 12-lead cardiac monitoring and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Illegal Dumping

At 11:44 a.m. on Oct. 17, Engine 107 responded to investigate an unknown hazard in the 200 block of East Forest Avenue. Fire personnel found several five-gallon static containers with an unknown substance in them. Fire personnel secured the area and called Los Angeles County Health Hazmat. Hazmat tested the substance was none other than old paint and paint thinner. Engine 107 personnel assisted Los Angeles County Health Hazmat with bagging the buckets for disposal.

Woman in Labor Rushed to Hospital

At 12:23 a.m. Oct. 18, Engine 105 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 00 block of Fano Drive. A pregnant woman was having contractions several minutes apart. The patient had a C-section scheduled at Arcadia Methodist Hospital for the following morrning. Upon arriving at the hospital, paramedics took the woman directly to labor and delivery.

Man Injures Hip During Fall

At 11:24 a.m. on Oct. 19, Engine 107 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 200 block of Oak Hurst Lane. Fire personnel evaluated a man suffering from hip pain after a fall. The patient received advanced life support at the scene, including oxygen therapy, full physical assessment, intravenous access and full spinal immobilization. The patient was transported to Kaiser Baldwin Park for further evaluation and treatment.

Man Cuts Leg With Glass Table Top

At 1:02 p.m. on Oct. 20, Engine 107 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 1200 block of North Highland Oaks Drive. Fire crews evaluated a man who severely cut his left calf when he dropped a large glass tabletop. Paramedics applied direct pressure to the leg and gave the man pain medication. He was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.