FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10th, 2008

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10th, 2008

Contact: OCWFCD, Public Information Officer
Contact Person: Capt. Ryan Christen
Company Name: Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District
Telephone Number: 850-862-1185
Email Address: rgchristen@ocwfcd.org   
Web site address: http://www.ocwfcd.org

Ocean City-Wright and Fort Walton Firefighters Respond to Two Major Vehicle Crashes

            Monday November 10^th proved to be a busy day for Ocean City Wright and Fort Walton Beach Firefighters. Two significant vehicle accidents occurred within hours. The first accident involved serious injuries and included the Gulf Flight helicopter being called to the scene. The second accident just two hours later required that Ocean City-Wright firefighters utilize the “Jaws of Life” to extricate a patient.
            The first accident occurred at 2:00 P.M. on Carol Ave. beside Home Depot. A Mercury Cougar with two patients inside struck an 18 wheeler head on. According to witnesses the vehicle turned off of Mary Esther Cut-Off, went up onto the curb and the struck the 18 wheeler when it swerved back onto the road.
            Ocean City Wright Engine Three was the first unit on scene and immediately called a “Trauma Alert” (a trauma alert is designed to notify the hospital and EMS to prepare for a patient with serious injuries). Engine Three requested that a medical helicopter be placed on stand-by. Fort Walton Beach Rescue Six also responded to assist with patient care, and Truck Six was dispatched to set up a landing zone for the Gulf Flight Helicopter. Two EMS ambulances were also dispatched to the scene.
            One patient was taken by ambulance as the second was transferred to the helicopter. However, the second patient went into Cardiac Arrest before the helicopter lifted off. Due to the sudden complications in the patient’s condition the patient had to be transported by ambulance, and the helicopter canceled. Due to limited space in the helicopter, patients suffering sudden cardiac arrest, especially when caused by traumatic injuries, cannot be flown out.
            At the time of this press release the Fort Walton Beach Police Department was conducting an investigation into the crash.

            Less than one hour after the last Fire unit cleared the scene another accident was reported involving two vehicles with reports of patients trapped. Again, Engine 3, Rescue 6, and Truck 6 were dispatched. This second accident was near the intersection of Memorial Pkwy. and Beal Pkwy, blocks away from the first.
            Upon arriving to the scene firefighters from Fort Walton Beach pulled a hoseline for safety protection as Ocean City-Wright Firefighters used the “Jaws of Life” to extricate the patient from the vehicle. 
            Two patients were transported by Okaloosa County EMS from the second accident.

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For additional information, Contact:
Capt. Ryan Christen
OCW Public Information Officer
Work: 850-862-1185
Cell: 850-240-9652
 

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