this fall, Cottage EMS/Rescue will host what is promised to be an intense two day training program. RIT-1407 will be presented by Task Force 1, Inc., with lead instructor Captain Tony Tricarico, FDNY Squad 252.  Captain "Trix" one of the nation's foremost experts on Rapid Intervention Team operations. The program's enrollment will be limited. The class will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17 starting at 0830. The program is designed around the new NFPA 1407 Standard for Rapid Intervention Teams. See the flyer to register...

Three earn BVR-T
Congratulations to members Joe Scotchlas, Adam Scotchlas and Robin Veina for completing all 3 modules of the PA Basic Vehicle Rescue class hosted by Station 41 (Forest City).  All 3 have earned their BVR-Technician level certification.  We appreciate the dedication to training that our members have.  Congrats!

Mid morning rollover

May 19th @ 1020hrs - A man escaped serious injury when he lost control of his car, striking a utility pole and rolling the car onto it's roof on Cottage St. in Carbondale City today.  EMS crews arrived to find the victim sitting in a nearby yard after self extricating.  He was taken to MCH with minor injuries.  The Rescue crew worked with E51 on hazard control and cleanup.

Two Sunday night crashes 
Two confined in Simpson
Just before 11pm Sunday night, Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent to Main St. & Reservoir St. in Simpson for the reported two car accident with injuries.  The first arriving crews found one vehicle with the victims self extricated and the second vehicle with two confined.  The vehicle with the confined patients was at the base of the "Simpson bridge" with driver's side damage and the passenger side against the wall of the bridge.  The vehicle was stabilized and the crew used the Hurst spreaders to remove the drivers door for extrication of both patients.  They were transported by 51-8 & 51-7 to MCH with minor injuries.  The driver of the other vehicle was transported to CMC by LA7.  The 4th patient fled the scene.  Crews remained on scene for just over an hour.   On the box: R51, R51-2, 51-8, 51-7, E61-4, LA7, FP62, PSP

One ejected in Carbondale rollover
Just as the crews settled back in for the night, the second crash of the night was dropped at around 0040hrs.  A driver lost control of her SUV near G & G Towing on Gordon Ave. in the city.  The truck went off the roadway, struck a utility pole, snapping it in half, and rolled over ejecting the female victim into a nearby yard.  51-9/CH1 arrived and quickly immobilized and loaded the unconscious victim, with a rapid transport to CMC initiated.  The Rescue crew assisted the EMS crew, provided lighting and helped with the cleanup.  Special thanks to the Lackawanna Ambulance crew that assisted when 51-9/CH1 experienced mechanicalproblems during the transport to CMC.   On the box:   R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E51, CPD

2 alarm fire in Carbondale City

May 11, 2010 - Just after 1030pm, Cottage EMS was dispatched along with the CFD to the reported structure fire on River St.  Engine and Ladder 51 arrived to find heavy fire on side A of the structure with extension to the exposure on side D, causing the 2nd alarm to be hit.   The Rescue crew of 12 were split on the scene with command assigning half of the crew to RIT duties on the AB corner. They later assisted with overhaul operations.   The remainder of the crew provided lighting & cascade.  Squad 59 was called to set up rehab which 51 helped staff.

Cottage had 3 EMS units on scene.  One firefighter was transported to CMC due to medical issues while another was treated on the scene with minor injuries.  Special thanks go out to Waymart EMS who assisted on scene and Forest City EMS who helped cover the primary BLS coverage area while we operated.

On the box: 1st alarm -  E51, L51, R51-1, 51-9, 51-8
2nd alarm - R51, S51, 51-7, R59, E59, E24, L58, (L20 - relocate to 51 HQ)
Special Call - S59, American Red Cross, Waymart EMS & Forest City EMS
 

Rescue on Waymart  2nd Alarm May 9, 2010  0545hrs - The Rescue was dispatched as part of the 2nd alarm assignment to Knobby Knoll Rd. just off of Rt. 296 in South Canaan. Company 75 (Waymart) arrived to find a heavily involved house fire, prompting the 2nd alarm.  The Rescue arrived and was placed in the staging area with the crew later called into the scene providing assistance with overhaul.  Crews operated for just over 5 hours at the scene.

Rescue Grant awarded
Cottage has been notified by the AFG program that is has been approved to recieve $275,000 for the purchase of a new Rescue.  The members and officers are very appreciative of the award and are looking forward to begining the process of meeting with vendors and building the new truck.  Keep tuned in for updates.

Safety & Operations grant awarded
Cottage is very pleased to announce that we have received confirmation that a Safety and Operations grant from the FEMA AFG program has been awarded in the amount of $102,000.  The money will be used to purchase 3 new 12 lead capable cardiac monitors and 8 SCBA's.  Check back for more updates as committees have been formed to begin the bidding and purchasing process.
 

Drive through at the bank April 8th, 2010 - A driver took the idea of drive through banking literally on Main St. in Simpson on Thursday.  After a reported stuck gas pedal the driver lost control in the bank's parking lot striking a parked van before careening through the grass and driving into the front of the bank just to the left of the main doors through the window. The driver and his passenger received minor injuries and were transported to MCH by Cottage EMS.    The Rescue crew along with the crew from E51 used cribbing and long timbers to shore up the structural damage until repairs could be made.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours.

On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E61-4, E51, R59, PSP (R51-2 on standby)

Door removal on Canaan St.

March 22, 2010 - Rescue 51 and Cottage BLS/ALS were sent along with the Carbondale Twp. Fire units for the reported two car MVA with entrapment.  51-82 (Allison) arrived and reported one female confined and one walking wounded.  The Rescue arrived, stabilized the vehicle and began driver's side door removal.  The crew also needed to remove the driver's side rear door for ease of extrication.  The patient was extricated and transported to Marian CommunityHospital.  The walking wounded patient was also transported by Cottage to MCH.

On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E60, T60, S62
 

Spring cleaning With the nice weather in place, and after a busy winter season for the 51 Rescue Company, members gathered on Sunday March 21st to do some spring cleaning on the truck.  Compartments were emptied, cleaned and reorganized and with some minor relocating of equipment some room was made on the truck. Thank you to the members that helped with this project.

Head-on leads to man trapped by snow blower Feb 26, 2010 - Just after 5pm Cottage EMS and Rescue were dispatched along with Station 61 and Rescue 41 (Forest City) for the reported MVA with injuries and entrapment in the 900 block of Main St. in Simpson  The first arriving units found two SUV's that had crashed head-on.  The driver of one of vehicles was pinned against the dash & steering wheel by a large snow blower that had been in the cargo area of the truck.  The snow blower was wedged against the roof and pushing the patient against the dash. EMS crews arrived and removed the non-entrapped passenger of the same vehicle, and transported him to CMC.  The occupants of second vehicle were evaluated by Cottage EMS crews and refused treatment.

Upon the arrival of the 51 Rescue, the crew went to work stabilizing the truck with cribbing.  After removing the windows and windshield the crew used the Hurst cutters to remove the roof.  The snow blower was then pulled off the patient.  He was then extricated through the rear of the vehicle.  Cottage also transported him to CMC.  R41 assisted with the extrication as E61-4 provided fire protection.  Chief 61A (S.Herchik) had the command while 51-82 (Allison) had EMS sector. Lt. 51B (Baron) ran rescue operations. 
On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, 51-7/CH3, E61-4, R41, PSP
 

One confined in  mountain rollover January 29, 2009 - One female occupant had to be extricated from her SUV in a one car rollover on Salem Mt. Road in Carbondale Twp. approximatly 1-2 miles above the Casey Highway overpass at 1850hrs.  The vehicle sustained heavy roof damage and the patient suffered serious injuries. Cottage Rescue arrived and stabilized the vehicle, then worked with the EMS team to quickly extricate the patient, who was then transported to CMC.

The crew then assisted with lighting, hazard control and cleanup while PSP investigated. On the box: R51, 51-9/CH1, E60 & S62

CO overcomes several on Christmas Eve 
December 24, 2009 - In the mid morning hours of this nice Christmas Eve day, 51-9 was sent along with E51 for what sounded like a routine CO investigation at the Carbondale YMCA.  Things changed pretty quickly.  Upon arrival of E51, firefighters immediately encountered multiple patients with symptoms of CO poisoning, some with serious symptoms.  They relayed this information and requested additional EMS units to the scene.  51-9 arrived on the scene and began patient triage and treatment.  Paramedic 166 (Fish) arrived and assumed EMS command requesting a "Level 3" EMS assignment bringing all available Cottage ALS/BLS, Rescue 51, Forest City EMS, Waymart EMS and Scott Twp. EMS (in town returning a medic to Station 51) and placing Wm. Walker EMS on standby.   As the FD cleared the building of victims and tried to determine the cause of CO, the found readings of over 700ppm in some areas of the building.  EMS crews triaged and transported a total of 9 patients to area hospitals with Marian Community receiving the bulk of the patients.  A great job by all depts. involved as well as the Lackawanna Co. Comm Center dispatchers
On the box:  5 Cottage ALS/BLS units, R51, E51, S51, R51-1, 36-9, Waymart 1 & 2, Forest CIty 6, Lackawanna EMA. 

Later in the day, Cottage BLS was sent to assist CFD with a residential CO meter activation that also saw R51 for the use of it's CO meter on Darte Ave. in the City.

Fatal crash with entrapment on the Casey

December 3, 2009 - At 0400hrs the Cottage Rescue & EMS were sent along with Carbondale Twp. crews to the Casey Highway at MM15 (approx. 1/4 mile west of exit 7) for the reported MVA, rollover with entrapment.  51-82 (Allison) was the first to arrive, assuming command and reporting two vehicles, including a pickup truck with one entrapped, on it's side.

With this information R51-2 was also brought to the scene as second  due.  Rescue and EMS crews arrived, stabilized the vehicles, set up lighting and accessed the patient.  The Rescue 51 crew removed the roof for patient extrication.  The patient was packaged and transported to CMC by 51-9/CH1.  The patient from the second vehicle, unfortunately, died from injuries at the scene and was also extricated from the vehicle with the use of the Hurst tools.  R51-2 provided fire protection with the E60 crew assisting.  Chief 60 held the command while SQ62 handled the traffic detail, closing the westbound lanes at exit #7.   Crews then remained on scene for several hours while PSP investigated.  On the box:  R51, R51-2, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E60, SQ62, PSP

Two trapped in rollover

October 30, 2009 - Rescue 51, Cottage EMS and Station 61 fire were dispatched at approx. 0230hrs to Rt. 106 in Fell Twp. near the Stonehouse bar for the reported vehicle rolled over with a patient still inside.  As crews went en-route an update that there were possibly two patients in the vehicle was transmitted. With this information, R51-2 was added to the assignment as well as a 2nd Cottage ALS truck.   51-45 (Veina) was the first to arrive reporting a vehicle on it's roof and confirming two entrapped.

The Rescue's arrived, deployed the light tower and began stabilization of the vehicle with the Junk Yard Dog struts and cribbing.  The Rescue crews used two sets of Hurst tools to remove doors, with a "wide body" cut on the driver's side.  E61-4 provided fire protection.   Both patients were extricated within approx 15 minutes of the Rescues' arrival.   Both patients were packaged and transported to CMC by Cottage EMS.  Rescue crews remained on scene for an additional hour while PSP investigated, the hazards were controlled and the scene was cleaned. 
On the box:  R51, R51-2, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E61-4, PSP  Photolink

ALS & Rescue on 21 crash

September 28, 2009 - Just after 1130am, Station 21 (Archbald EMS/Rescue) were dispatched along with an LA ALS unit to MM 9 on the Casey Highway for the reported car over an embankment.  Shortly afterward, Station 59 (Wm. Walker EMS/Rescue) and Cottage #2 were sent as the 2nd due companies. Chief 59-3 was the first to arrive, reporting a car over a 75-100 foot embankment with the patient still in the car.

He then upgraded the rescue box requesting Rescues 51, 25 and 31 for the operation.  CH2 was the next to arrive along with LA 10, with the medics from both units accessing and stabilizing the patient. 

The companies set up a rope system while crews from Rescue 51, 59 and 21 assisted the Cottage and LA medics package the patient.  The patient was hauled up the embankment and placed in 21-8 and was transported to CMC with a Cottage Medic on board.  A job well done with multiple companies working together!  On the box:  Rescues - 51, 21, 59, 25, 31  Ambulances - 21 & 59, CH2 & LA 10.

 42 crash brings ALS & Rescue 
September 4th - Station 42, Rescue 41, Forest City EMS and Cottage Mobile 9 were dispatched this evening to a reported MVA, car vs. motorcycle on Rt 171 (Main St.)  in Vandling.  Upon arrival, Chief 42 (Hollis) found the two motorcycle occupants trapped under the SUV.  He then requested Rescue 51 as the 2nd due rescue.  Mobile 9 medics assisted Forest City EMS transporting one patient to CMC with critical injuries while the second patient, unfortunately, died from his injuries at the scene.  The Rescue crew assisted crews from Engine 42 (Vandling) and Rescue 41 (Forest City) at the scene for approximately 90 minutes.  The crash is under investigation by PSP. 

New medics in the house
 The members and staff at Cottage would like to congratulate Joe Scotchlas, Nick Racht and Brian Wasserman upon completion of the Paramedic program at Luzerne Co. Community College.  All three successfully passed the program, as well as, the National Registry exam.  The trio has also received medical command through the PA Dept. of Heath.  Joe (Medic 1018), Nick (Medic 1017) and Brian (Medic 1006) will now be completing an orientation program at Cottage.  Congratulations on a job well done!
 

Medics run multi-patient crash  in Greenfield August 17, 2009 - At around 1300hrs Cottage #1 was dispatched to assist Greenfield EMS / Fire for the reported MVA, rollover with multiple patients.  CH1 initially responded with 3 medics.  Upon arrival, the medics encountered 6 patients that were being triaged by Greenfield EMS.  Additional ALS providers were then requested as the on-scene medics were outnumbered by trauma patients.

In all, Cottage had six medics and one EMT on scene for the 5 trauma patients (2 adult and 3 pediatric).  Greenfield and Clifford EMS transported 3 patients to CMC accompanied by Cottage medics while the 4th and 5th were taken to a nearby LZ by Wm. Walker EMS and Cottage Medics, who were flown to Geisinger Wyoming Valley. 
 

Two entrapped on  Simpson bridge July 16, 2009 - Just after 6pm the Rescue and EMS were sent to a reported MVA with injuries on the 171 bridge in Simpson.  R51-2 was placed on standby.  51-61 (A. Scotchlas) was the first to arrived reporting a 2 car accident with two patients entrapped.

With this information R51-2 was also brought to the scene.  The rescue crews worked for approximately 20-30 minutes to free the victims by removing the doors & roof of the vehicle that was up against the wall of the bridge.  The victims were extricated and transported to CMC by Cottage with an assist from an LA ALS unit.  E61-4 provided fire protection and assistance was recieved from Station 42 (Vandling).

Casey Highway motorcycle fatality

July 12, 2009 - At approximately 5pm Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent to the Casey Highway near exit #7 for the reported motor vehicle accident with injuries.  Just after dispatch an EMS unit out of Wayne Co. reported on scene with "multiple severe injuries" and requested a helicopter.

With this information the EMS box was upgraded bringing additional Cottage EMS units, Waymart EMS and placing Wm. Walker EMS on standby.  Additional reports from the scene indicated a patient ejected over a 100 foot embankment.  The Rescue box was upgraded bringing R59 and R75.  Units arrived to find three patients, two motorcyclists in the roadway and one over the embankment.  EMS went to work packaging patients.  The patient over the embankment was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lackawanna Co. Coroner.  One patient was transported to CMC by Waymart EMS with a Cottage medic on board while the 2nd patient was taken to CMC by LifeFlight 3. 

The Rescue crew went to work setting up a haul system to remove the victim upon the completion of the the PSP investigation.   The victim was packaged, placed in a stokes basket and hauled to the roadway by the R51 and R75 crews. 

On the box:  R51, R59, R75, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH3, 51-7/CH2, E60, S62, E61-4, S51, 59-9, M504-5, Waymart EMS 1 & 2, PSP  Photos: Scranton Times coverage 

Units return to the Casey
July 13, 2009 - The first alarm units were sent back to the Casey Highway at exit #7 at approximately 0745hrs for the reported MVA, head-on with injuries.  Cottage EMS transported one to CMC and obtained one refusal while the rescue was assigned to traffic and hazard control.  On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E60, S62, PSP
 

Medics run plane crash The pilot of a lightweight plane was injured in a crash landing at a private air strip  near Stone Bridge Lane and Route 170 in Clinton Township Sunday afternoon at 17:47 hours.  Apparently the plane lost power on approach to the landing strip, slamming to the slide of a ravine, coming to rest on some downed trees. The pilot was still in the plane when emergency services arrived. The plane was immediately secured preventing it from sliding down the hill side into the stream below.

Once extricated by Rescue 75, the pilot was treated by Waymart EMS and Cottage ALS then transported to the hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On the response: Car 43, Engines 43 and 94, Rescue 75, Tanker 94, Waymart EMS and Cottage paramedics.   Photos courtesy of Station 43 

Carbondale blaze displaces 11
A fire early Friday displaced 11 people and sent one to the hospital with burns to his hands, the American Red Cross and the Carbondale Fire Department said.  More

Injured boy removed from woods
une 25, 2009 - Cottage EMS was dispatched to the area of the the Brownell Dam, access from Salem Mt. Road for the reported boy with a severe leg laceration, possible compound fracture.  The box was upgraded to a rescue box when Comm Center indicated that the patient was in a remote area.  une 25, 2009 - Cottage EMS was dispatched to the area of the the Brownell Dam, access from Salem Mt. Road for the reported boy with a severe leg laceration, possible compound fracture.  The box was upgraded to a rescue box when Comm Center indicated that the patient was in a remote area.

JRescue 51, 51 ATV, Stations 60 & 62 were dispatched.  51-9/CH1 and 51 Jitney were the first to arrive.  Crews loaded into the ATV and made their way back to the patient.  The patient was found to have the laceration but no fracture.  The injury was dressed by the Medics of CH1 and the victim was removed by the Jitney to the ambulance where he was transported to MCH.  On the box:  R51, 51 Jitney, 51-9/CH1, E60, S62, Rhino 62 (standby - R59)

Training, training, training
May 2009 - With a slightly lower than average call volume in the month of May the crews at Cottage stepped up the training.  A host of program were held and/or hosted, most focusing on fire activities, but some vehicle rescue also included.

3 certified at FF2 level Nick Racht, Amanda Greer and Steve Fish have been participating in the Fire Fighter II program hosted by Jessup Hose Co. #2.  Earlier in the month the three sat for and passed the written exam.   On May 16th the trio traveled to Bucks Co. for the practical exam.  All three passed the practical and are now certified as FF2.  Congratulations on all the hard work!!

Flowing water On May 18th, Rescue 51-2 was invited by Station 60 (Meredith, Carbondale Twp) to participate in a water movement drill including tankers.  Companies on hand were 51, 60, 59, 18, 58, & 24.  R51-2 was assigned to the hydrant for the tanker fill. On May 19th, the R51-2 crew headed to member Ron Tezzano's house for drafting practice from a pond.  Squad 62, Engine 42 and Rescue 51 were also on hand for this informative training session.

New saw training: On May 30, the both Rescue's headed to downtown Carbondale with Ladder 51 (Carbondale City, Lackwanna Co.) to the former Singer Plumbing building to train with the new Husqvarna K-12 saw that was recenlty placed into service on R51-2.  Crew practiced cutting vent holes with that and the Cutter's Edge saw.

Additional vehicle rescue training planned:
Later this week, we are expecting delivery of a new set of Hurst ML28 Defender spreaders and a new set of Hurst rams.  Upon delivery, the crews will be back out on the training grounds familiarizing themselves with the new tools.  Photos of all training:
 

Close call in Area 61 April 15, 2009 0955hrs - Rescue 51 was sent along with Stations 60, 61 & 62 for the reports of a tractor trailer fire on Reservoir Rd. at Rt. 106 in Fell Twp.  Updates just after dispatch indicated that the trailer was filled with chlorine and other chemicals that were being delivered to the nearby water treatment plant.  The driver of the truck knew the potential disaster should the fire spread to the trailer, so he bravely disconnected the trailer from the truck and moved the truck forward, isolating the fire to the truck only.

Squad 62 and E61-4 arrived and deployed handlines to knock down the fire.  Upon the arrival of R51, the crew was tasked to control the run off, preventing it from going into the nearby Fallbrook Creek.  The crew then assisted with overhaul and cleanup as well as providing cascade services.  Cottage EMS was on hand for the standby.    On the box: R51, 51-9, E61-4, S62, E60, T60, T24, 24 PD, PSP.  Photos

Visit our earlier stories