Multiple agencies work together to immobilize the driver of a pickup truck who became entrapped after being involved in a two-car collision near Central Islip, N.Y. The driver, who was found supine in the overturned vehicle, complained of neck and back pain. Crews from the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Emergency Service section and Hauppauge Fire Department extricated the patient. A crew from Central Islip Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance (CIHVA) service fully immobilized the patient and transported him with minor injuries to Southside Hospital on Long Island. The photos of this nighttime incident illustrate the effectiveness of fluorescent scene vests in illuminating personnel working on scene. Federal law now requires all first responders working within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway wear ANSI 107 (2004) Class 2 or 3 high-visibility vests. Many agencies, such as those operating at this incident, have extended the use of these vests to any traffic or high-hazard related incident. Read more about how to operate in a more efficient and coordinated manner in “Communication Breakdown” on p. 48.
This article originally appeared in October 2010 JEMS as “Combined Efforts.”
