FOSTER TOWNSHIP (SCHUYLKILL COUNTY), PA: On December 11, 2011 at 17:05 hours the Goodwill-Frackville Fire Company, Western Schuylkill ALS and Minersville Ambulance were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with possible ejection. The accident was reported to be a vehicle overturned with the driver partial ejected out. The accident was just south of the Minersville exit of Interstate 81 at mile maker 113.

Frackville Goodwill Engine 43-10 and Minersville Ambulance 52 arrived on scene and found the driver still inside of his overturned vehicle. Frackville fire fighters examined the vehicle for fluid leaks and set up traffic control. Minersville BLS crew evaluated and treated the injured driver. The Engine Crew-EMT from Engine 43-10 assisted the EMS crew in treating and evaluating the patient. West Schuylkill Medic 67 arrived on location and evaluated the injuries of the driver. The Medic unit Crew Chief had an Air Medical Helicopter sent to the nearby Joe Zerby Airport. Medic driver was then sent to the airport to pick up the helicopter crew and bring them back to the accident scene.
The confined driver was very large and the EMS crew needed additional help with the extrication. Frackville fire fighters stabilized the vehicle first with their cribbing to allow access from the EMS crew. Frackville Fire fighters then deployed a number of hydraulic rescue tools next to the vehicle. The driver’s door was then removed to allow the rescuers better access to the patient. The steering wheel was cut and removed from the path of the driver. The rescuers then made a number of attempts remove the driver from the wreckage. Due to the patient size and weight it was impossible to remove the patient. The EMS Crew then made a request to have the vehicle’s roof flapped. Goodwill fire fighters then cut the windshield, A and B Post of the vehicle’s roof. Two relief’s cuts were made in front of the C Posts which allowed the roof to be flapped back. Rescuers were then able to stand up in side the vehicle to get better leverage in removing the driver. The driver was then able to be moved and slid out of the driver’s seat. He was placed on a long board and moved to the Minersville Ambulance.
Medic 67 and Ambulance 52 transported the patient to the local airport to meet a medical helicopter. Frackville fire fighters then picked up their rescue equipment and returned it back to their truck. The crew and engine remained on the accident scene until the vehicle was loaded on to a roll back tow truck. The Frackville State Police currently investigating the caused of the accident.