Fire Blotter: Firefighters Use Jaws of Life to Extract Driver from Overturned Car

From the Arcadia Fire Department:

Sunday, July 14
At 5:23 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical assist in the 1400 block of South Baldwin Avenue. Fire crews arrived to find a 48 year old female experiencing increasingly severe lower back pain from a fall suffered the previous day. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene; including intravenous access, 12 lead electrocardiogram, administration of pain medication and oxygen therapy. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for further evaluation.

Monday, July 15
At 7:39 p.m., Engine 105, Engine 106, Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 105, Battalion 105, along with units from Monrovia Fire Department, responded to a reported large appliance fire in the 100 block of East Genoa Avenue. Fire crews arrived to find a small stove top fire that had been extinguished by the occupant. Firefighters checked the area to confirm the fire had not extended into the cabinets. Power to the stove was disconnected and the occupant was advised to contact an appliance repair person.

Tuesday, July 16
At 5:22 p.m., Engine 107 and Rescue Ambulance 105 responded to a medical assist in the 200 block of East Floral Avenue. Upon arrival, fire personnel evaluated a female patient who was suffering from general left sided weakness and slurred speech. The patient received advanced life support at the scene; including oxygen therapy, 12 lead cardiac monitoring, intravenous access, and blood glucose monitoring. The patient was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital Emergency Department for further evaluation and treatment.

Wednesday, July 17
At 5:17 p.m., Engine 106, Truck 105, Rescue Ambulance 106 and Battalion 105 responded to a reported overturned vehicle with a person trapped at the intersection of Duarte Road and Golden West Avenue. Fire crews arrived and found a vehicle that had been traveling on Duarte Road struck a parked vehicle and overturned trapping the driver.

The vehicle was stabilized and the Jaws of Life used to extricate the patient, who was suffering from right shoulder pain and unable to recall the accident. Paramedics provided advanced life support measures on scene; including full spinal immobilization, intravenous access, 12 lead electrocardiogram, and oxygen therapy. The patient met trauma center criteria and was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital.

Thursday, July 18
At 9:50 a.m., Engine 106, Rescue Ambulance 106, Truck 105, and Battalion 105 responded to a traffic collision with a person trapped at the intersection of Paloma Avenue and Michillinda Avenue. Upon arrival, fire personnel found one patient with minor to moderate injuries requiring extrication. 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 patients were transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital Emergency Department for further evaluation and treatment.

At 6:00 p.m., Arcadia Firefighters responded to a reported brush fire in the Peck Road Water Conservation Park, in the 5400 block of North Peck Road, Arcadia. Upon arrival, suppression personnel reported a ½ acre brush fire burning freely in the basin. Firefighters immediately began suppression and search and rescue operations, with assistance from Monrovia and Los Angeles County Fire Departments.

High temperatures, low humidity, and dry conditions, contributed to the rapid growth of the fire, which quickly encompassed three acres. The fire was subdued within two hours. The area of origin appeared to be a homeless encampment in the gravel pit. No loss of life or property was sustained.

Friday, July 19
At 1:03 p.m., Engine 106 and Rescue Ambulance 106 responded to a medical call in the 1900 block of Bella Vista Drive. Fire crews arrived on scene and found one patient presenting with signs and symptoms of a stroke. Paramedics assessed the patient and performed advanced life support measures; including cardiac monitoring, glucose monitoring, and establishing venous access. The patient was transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

Saturday, July 20
At 8:05 a.m., Engine 105 and Truck 105 responded to an elevator rescue in the 300 block of East Huntington Drive. Upon arrival, fire personnel found four people trapped in a malfunctioning elevator on the second floor. Fire personnel made contact with the victims and confirmed there were no medical concerns. The power to the elevator was shut down and an elevator tool was used to open the door. The trapped people were assessed and released. The elevator was secured and released to the building management.