Deerfield-News.comDeefield Beach,Fl-From BSO Fire Rescue PIO Chief Michael Kane-
It was just after 2 p.m. when Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue received the call for a vehicle accident near the 2400 block of SW 10th Street in Deerfield Beach.
When firefighters arrived, they found a white pick-up truck which appeared to had lost control and struck a tree.
Firefighters immediately determined that the patient was heavily entrapped as the dashboard was pushing down on the patient’s legs, pinning him inside, requiring mechanical extrication. Extrication is the process of using hydraulic tools to remove parts of the vehicle from around the victim. This allows firefighters the ability to continue treatment of the victim’s injuries while continuing the tedious task of safe patient removal and prevention of further injury.
With the patient’s condition extremely critical, firefighters became laser-focused on preventing the patient’s condition from deteriorating further.
As extrication continued, paramedics administered several units of blood which kept the patient’s vital organs perfused with oxygen.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue is the only agency in Broward County and one of the few agencies in South Florida with the ability to administer whole blood for such emergencies.
The patient believed to be in his 50’s was subsequently transported to Broward Health North in stable but critical condition.
Photos courtesy: John Williamson
This report by:
Michael B. Kane, MPA
Battalion Chief
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Department
Communications & Public Information
2601 W. Broward Blvd.
