Injured boy removed from woods

June 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.  Rescue 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.

Vehicle Rescue: Station 43 (Browndale, Wayne Co.) is hosting the Delmar Fire Fighter I program.  They contacted Cottage and requested we assist with the vehicle rescue portion of the class.  The class was held on May 27.  Lead instructor Chuck Molinaro (Fire Chief 98, Moosic, Lackawanna Co.) was assisted by members of the Rescue in the basic vehicle rescue class.  While this training was underway, members of the Cottage Training Center staff were on hand at Station 61 (Fell Twp. Lackawanna Co.) for the annual CPR/AED training.  They have recently taken delivery of a Medtronic LifePak 1000 AED and are now updated on it's use.

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:

Local Chief injured
On May 21st, Station 58 (Jermyn) was dispatched to a possible structure fire in Mayfield.  Just as Ladder 58 was about to respond, Chief 58, Ray Rood, experienced a medical emergency.  The entire family at Cottage would like to send our support and best wishes to Chief Rood for a quick recovery.    More info: 

EMS / Rescue running to all ends
April 22, 2009 -The EMS and Rescue crews have been busy running calls at all ends of the coverage area in the past week. On Monday 4/20 crews were sent along with Station 61 to Dundaff St. above the Owego turnpike for the reported roll over with entrapment.  While en route crews were advised of hazardous road conditions due to sleet/snow in the area, as well as another vehicle accident on Dundaff St.   Crews handled both calls, transporting one patient to CMC and obtaining refusals from the rest.  No rescue services were required.

Less than an hour later, Mobile 9 was sent to assist Company 75 (Waymart, Wayne Co.) and Waymart EMS for the reported MVA with ejection on Rt. 6 between the county line and Carbondale Rd.  Further reports indicated a 2 car accident with one patient ejected and one entrapped.  Command 75 requested an additional rescue bringing Rescue 51.  Upon approach of the Rescue, it was held 1/4 mile away as R75 had extricated the patient.   Mobile 9 and Waymart EMS transported 2 trauma patients to CMC in Scranton.  See www.waymartfire.com for more info. 

On April 22nd at around 0100hrs the Rescue, EMS and Carbondale Twp. FD were sent to the Casey Highway @ exit 6 for the reported 2 car accident with injuries.  51-9 & 51-8 arrived on scene reporting the accident to be in Area 59 (Mayfield)  Chief 62 requested that Station 59 be dispatched.  R51 arrived and provided lighting while Cottage EMS assessed the patient.  Squad 62 set up for traffic.  R59 and R59-1 arrived, also providing lighting.  The patient refused care.  The fire/rescue units remained on scene for just over an hour while the scene was cleaned up and PSP investigated. 
 

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

Popping doors at 2am
April 14, 2009 - 0205hrs:  Cottage Rescue and EMS were sent along with CFD for the reported car into a wall, with the vehicle smoking, on Brooklyn St. in the city.  51-9/CH1 were the first to arrived to report one patient trapped in the vehicle.  Upon the Rescue's arrival the vehicle was stabilized, the scene was lit and the driver's door was removed with the Hurst tools for extrication.  The patient was then transported to CMC by 51-9/CH1.  The Rescue remained on scene with E51 while the towing service removed the vehicle.  On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8, E51, CPD, CTPD.

Big mess at exit 7

April 1, 2009 - Just after twelve o'clock today Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent to the reported MVA with injuries at the infamous "Exit 7" on the Casey Highway.  While en route, units were updated that there was possibly one vehicle rolled over, with a tractor trailer and a pick-up truck also involved.  Chief 62 (MacDonald) arrived, established command, and reporting one entrapped, two ejected two walking wounded and a large fuel spill from the tractor trailer.  The box was then upgraded bringing Rescue 51-2, Rescue 59 and Waymart EMS to the scene. 

Rescue 51 arrived going to work on the overturned vehicle, deploying the Hurst tools to create an extrication path for the confined patient through the rear driver's door.   Rescue 51-2 and Rescue 59 arrived to begin defensive operations on the 100+ gallons of diesel fuel leaking from the tractor trailer's ruptured saddle tank.   Engine 60 and Squad 62 provided fire protection. 

Cottage EMS package, treated and transported the two ejected patients while Waymart EMS with a Cottage medic transported the patient who had been entrapped, all going to CMC.  59-8 transported a 4th patient to MCH with minor injuries with the 5th patient (tractor trailer driver) was not injured. 

With the on scene, hazmat supplies quickly used up, command requested additional resources for the spill.  Engines 51 and 61-4, as well as Squad 59 and Rescue 51-1 assisted.  Stockpile supplies were used from Station 60, Station 51 Fire HQ, William Walker (R59) HQ,  and the Cottage HQ.    Crews remained on scene for over 3 hours while the hazmat team did the cleanup. 

On the box: 
Rescues: 51, 51-2, 59, 75, 51-1  Engines: 60, 51, 61-4  Squads: 62 & 59 
Ambulances: 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, 59-8, Waymart EMS. 
Special: EMA 35, Datom Environmental, PennDot. 
Moveup:  Forest City EMS, E24, E42 
Photos from Chief 62,  WNEP link:   Scranton Times
 

Crash with fire on Rt. 106  March 15th - Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent along with Station 61 fire for a reported vehicle roll over, with entrapment and the vehicle on fire.  Upon arrival crews found that the car was on fire, but the victim had been pulled by two bystanders to safety.   The 24 PD (Greenfield Twp.) had knocked down the bulk of the fire prior the arrival of other units.  E61-4 arrived and controlled the remainder of the fire.  The EMS team packaged the patient and transported her to CMC with serious injuries.  The Rescue crew provided lighting and hazard control.  The crews cleared in just over an hour.    On the box:  R51, R51-2, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E61-4, FP 62, PSP   Photos

Heavy fire at Vandling blaze
Firefighters had heavy fire showing on arrival on Thursday, March 12, just before 20:00 hours in the 400 block on Main Street in Vandling, Box 4201. Fire was blowing out into the street from a 2.5 story wood frame structure at 440 with exposures on the Bravo (444) and Delta Sides (438). 

With heavy fire involvement and exposure problems, Command immediately requested a second alarm on the box. First arriving engine, E-41, mounted a high volume exterior attack with Ladder 43 on the Alpha side. Following the high volume attack, crews determined that the fire was contained to the 440 Main Street structure. Command backed down the assignment to the second alarm, special calling Rescue Co. 51 from the second.

Companies worked for nearly four hours handling extensive overhaul operations. The investigation to determine the fire's cause is underway by a PSP Fire Marshal. Photos

Heavy pin in Carbondale Twp.

March 11th - Just after 5:00pm the Rescue and EMS were sent along with Stations 60 and 62 for the MVA on Rt. 107 in Carbondale Twp.  Initial reports indicated a head on crash with injuries.  Communications then updated with a head on, with entrapment and one vehicle on fire.  The first arriving PD units knocked down the fire with a dry chem extinguisher. Engine 60 was the first to arrive to find one critically injured patient heavily entrapped and the other patient self extricated.  Chief 60 took command and requested the Rescue deploy the Hurst system upon arrival.

The Rescue crew went to work on stabilizing the vehicle, removing the driver's side door and setting up for a dash roll.  Squad 62 assisted by removing the roof.  The dash was lifted and the victim was extricated in just over 20 minutes. 

Due to CMC being on "trauma bypass" a helicopter was requested for patient transport.  Rescue 59 set up a LZ for LifeFlight 3.  51-9/CH1 transported the patient to the LZ who was then flown to Geisinger Wyoming Valley.  51-8/CH2 transported the second patient to Moses Taylor. 

The Rescue remained on scene while PSP R&I investigated then helped with cleanup.   Crews cleared in about 2 hours. Thanks to all who assisted on this call, it was a job well done!! Photos
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Two trips to the Casey and a LifeFlight

March 3rd - Just after 4pm, Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent along with Carbondale Twp. Fire units to exit #7 on the Casey Highway  for the reported MVA with injuries.  Initial reports from the scene indicated a head on crash with at least one head injury.  Units arrived to find two victims, both self extricated and only one injured.  EMS crews packaged the patient and transported to CMC while the Rescue crew assisted with hazard control and scene clean up.

Just over an hour later, crews were sent back to the same location for another 2 car crash with injuries.   PSP and Chief 62 arrived first to find a minor MVA with no injuries.  R51 continued into the scene and obtained patient refusals while all other units were returned. 

While on scene, the Rescue was alerted to an incoming LifeFlight helicopter to the Landing Zone at Hendricks in the city.  The crew set up the LZ for the safe landing and departure of the LF3 crew.   The Rescue finally returned to service just after 7pm.

Truck into residence

February 26, 2009 - Just after 4pm, the Rescue and Cottage EMS were sent along with the city's fire department to Thorn St. for the reported car into a house with heavy structural damage.   Crews arrived to find a pickup truck that struck a Carbondale Housing Authority multi-family dwelling, causing significant damage.  The occupants of the apartment were not at home at the time of the accident and the driver was self extricated.  The EMS crew transported the patient to MCH while Rescue and Fire crews stabilized the structure.  Crews remained on scene for just about 2 hours.  Photos

Congratulations Congratulations to Cottage's John Bohlig and his wife Laura on the birth of their son John Lyman Bohlig III.  The beautiful baby was born on February 4th at 10:58pm.  He was 7lbs 12oz and 19 1/2 inches long.

One confined in rollover

At 0330hrs on Friday Feb. 6th, Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent along with 51 fire for the reported vehicle rollover on Brooklyn St. just down from our station.  51-9 was the first arrive to report one female confined to the vehicle.   Upon the arrival of E51 the vehicle was stabilized and the drivers door was opened creating an extrication path.  Crews from 51-9, R51 & E51 removed the patient just as the Rescue arrived.   The victim was transported to CMC by 51-9 and an ALS truck from Lackawanna Ambulance.  The Rescue crew remained on scene for over an hour assisting with lighting, hazard control and cleanup.

Trapped in an elevator? It's 15:30 on a Tuesday afternoon when the Rescue gets sent to the high rise for an elevator stuck with people trapped inside, WHAT DO YOU DO?  Cottage members Tim Baron, Mark Hollis, Nick Racht, Joe Scotchlas and Brain Wasserman spent their weekend learning just what to do. They spent Saturday in class and Sunday running drills with a live elevator. The 16 hr  "Elevator & Escalator Rescue - Operations" class sponsored by Jessup Hose Co. #2 and instrucuted by Bucks County College instructors covered everything, from something as simple as a stuck door, to "poleing" and extrication of victims between floors. With more than (20) twenty elevators in the Carbondale Area, this training was a good arsenal to add to the 51 Rescue.

As the day went on the drills became more complex and took more time to execute but everyone stuck in and did what had to be done. Cottage members, along with members of Jessup Fire/EMS and Jefferson Twp. Fire have learned the "ups and downs" to insure a smooth rescue can and will be executed. GOOD JOB GUYS!

“The Silent Killer May Be In Your Home”
The cold weather is here, and along with the cold comes the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. As the days get colder, we turn up our heating units to high, and close our doors and windows to keep the heat in. We also put up storm windows and doors, seal cracks and find secondary heating sources such as propane or kerosene heaters. All of this to keep warm and save money on heating costs. Every effort we take to make our homes more comfortable to live in, making them air tight to prevent the cold air from coming in, increases the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. More

Middle of the night rescue
January 19 - 0115hrs:  Cottage EMS was dispatched to the area of Meredith St. across from the "park & ride" for the reported sledding accident on the culm piles.  The first ambulance arrived to learn that two females had been injured after sledding off an embankment.  The crew requested a rescue box be transmitted bringing Rescue 51 with the 51 Jitney, along with Engine 60, Squad 62 and Rhino 62.  Crews traveled approximately 1/2 mile to reach the patients, both of whom had serious injuries.  A 2nd ALS truck from Lackawanna Amb. as well as Squad 59 were also brought in to assist.  Station 21 EMS/Rescue were put on standby with their ATV unit.  Personnel from CTFD and Cottage packaged the patients, who were removed by the Jitney and Rhino.  Both patients were transported to CMC by Cottage EMS.  Crews cleared in about an hour.

Special thanks
Special thanks go out to our friends at Station 43 (Browndale) for housing an ambulance for a few days while work was done at our Canaan St. substation.  It is nice to have such helpful & cooperative neighbors! 

2008 Incident Summary
As Cottage EMS crews handled a record number calls in 2008, the volunteers of Cottage had another busy year.  The Rescue responded to 249 calls (one more than 2007).   The breakdown is as follows:

By Type: MVA - 126 Lifeflight - 43 Fire - 25 Other - 16 EMS Assist - 8 Rescue type - 7 Fire Alarm - 6 Car Fire - 4 Flood related - 3 CO related - 3 Hazmat - 3 Gas related - 2 Drill / training - 2 MCI response - 1

By Location: Carbondale City - 120 Fell Twp - 65 Carbondale Twp. - 51 Vandling - 5 Other - 5 Forest City - 1 Waymart - 1 Clifford - 1

Busiest month - December (28) Slowest month - May (11) Average per month - 21 Average crew per call - 4 Multiple call days - 54 Active responders - 30

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Freezing rain leads to busy Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve 2008 started early for the Cottage EMS & Rescue crews.  As freezing rain began to fall in the early morning hours, it was just a matter of time.  At 0550hrs, the EMS and Rescue units were sent to the intersection of Salem Ave. & Main St. in the City of Carbondale for a car into a pole with entrapment.

Units arrived to find no accident, a short time later 51-37 (J. Scotchlas) found the MVA in the 300 block of Main St. in Simpson.   The lone driver was found in the vehicle complaining of back pain.  After stabilizing the vehicle the Rescue crew removed the driver's door for extrication.  She was taken to Marian Community for her injuries.

Later in the morning the Rescue, EMS and City FD were sent to Canaan St. for the reported car into a house with entrapment.  Units arrived to find the occupant self extricated and not injured.  The vehicle did not strike the house and was drive-able.

The early afternoon had the Rescue responding again with the City FD for a fuel spill on Westside Dr. at the Dollar Store.  Crews found a small amount of gasoline mixed with the snow and controlled the hazard.

While on scene the Rescue was sent, with Station 61 and Cottage EMS for a vehicle rollover on Rt. 106 in Fell Twp.   The Rescue was the first to arrive to find a SUV on it's side with the driver self extricated and not injured.  The EMS unit arrived and obtained a refusal.  The Rescue assisted with hazard control and traffic. 

While this call was going on, Station 75 covered an MVA on Rt. 6 just above Exit #7 in Carbondale Twp.

EMS crews were kept busy throughout the day, picking up multiple fall victims throughout our coverage area. 

Thankfully, Christmas Day was much quieter. 

Arson fire in Carbondale Twp. consumes home 
Just before 1am on December 15th, a Station 60 structure fire box was transmitted for Meredith St. at Valley Lanes Bowling Center for the reported fully involved house fire next to the bowling alley.  51-90 (Bohlig) arrived just minutes after dispatch reporting a two story home under construction, heavy fire on all divisions and all sides. 

Ladder 58 and Engine 60 arrived, with E60 estabishing a water supply.  Rescue 51-2 arrived taking side "b" and attacking with the deck gun.  The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes.  51-9 & 51-8 provided the EMS standby while R51 provided lighting and rehab.  Chief 62 had command while Chief 60 had operations.

On the box:  R51, R51-2, 51-9, 51-8, E60, T60, S62, L58, R59.  Standby: L20  Move up: E43 & C43. 

New Hurst system installed In the past few weeks, Cottage has ordered, taken delivery and installed a new Hurst system on the Rescue.  The new system includes a set of ML28 Defender spreaders, an electric Simo pump and two 100' electric rewind hoses.  These tools, along with the Hurst MOC II cutters purchased last year will almost complete the entire Hurst system upgrade.  Next on the list will be new rams and airbags.  With the equipment coming of the Rescue being in very good condition, it has been placed on Rescue 51-2, equipping both rescues with hydraulic tools.  A combi-tool may be added to the list on R51-2 by the end of the year. Special thanks to Jim and Dana at Susquehanna Fire Equipment for their help with this project.

Rescue & Jitney on off road rescue in Area 25
On Sunday, December 7 in the late afternoon, the Cottage Rescue and Jitney were requested by Command 25 at the scene of an off road rescue.  Two ATV riders fell from a dam deep into the wooded area.  The Rescue and Jitney arrived with the crew gearing up with rope supplies and an off road set of ALS gear.  Crews from Jessup, Olyphant, Archbald and Cottage worked very well together in reaching and treating the patients.  Both patients were packaged and removed via ATV's from Archbald and Olyphant.  Rehabs 59 and 29 were also on scene providing rehab for the very cold rescuers exiting the woods.  The Rescue and Jitney cleared in about 2 hours.
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Louisiana crew recognized
On Tuesday November 25th, the Cottage crew and their families, that were part of the PA Strike Team deployment to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav, were recognized at a dinner hosted by EMS of Northeast PA.  The dinner was held at the Pittston Convention center and recognized all of the Region 5 teams that were deployed.  Joseph Schmider, Director of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services for the P.A. Department of Health attended the dinner to personally thank the team members and their families. More....
 

EMS / Rescue on city house fire On November 12, just after 6pm the Carbondale City structure fire box was hit for the reported working house fire on 42nd St. in the city.  E51 arrived and reported heavy smoke showing.  After confirming the working fire command requested R51 to the scene to assist with rehab.  Upon the Rescue's arrival the crew provided lighting and rehab.  51-9 and 51-8 provided the EMS standby.  Crews cleared in about 2 hours. On the box:  E51, S51, R51-1, R51, 51-9, 51-8, E60.  E24 and R59 on the move up to Station 51.

Members complete vehicle rescue class Congratulations to Cottage volunteers Katrina Gaer and Adam Scotchlas for completing the Vehicle Rescue class hosted by the Waymart Fire Dept.  Katrina is now certified as a BVR-T and Adam at the BVR-O level.  Both are just being introduced to the rescue service and with the new training will be an important part of the Cottage team.

Off Road / Rope Drill in Area 25
On November 9th Rescue 51 and the "51 Jitney" were dispatched shortly after 9am to assist Station 25 for a search for a lost hunter.   The drill was headed by Jessup Fire and Rescue.  The scenario was for a missing hunter in the large wooded area off of Hill Street in Jessup.  The missing hunter had gone missing the night before after suffering a leg injury and experiencing cardiac symptoms.  The initial dispatch brought Station 25 to the scene.  After a scene size up and evaluation of man power and apparatus Jessup Command requested additional resources bringing in crews from Rescue 51 as well as R59, R21, R59-1 and R31.

Crews searched the wooded area by foot and with the use of Cottage Jitney, as well as, Jessup EMS and Archbald EMS's off road rescue units.  Squad 59 was also used for its off road capability searching areas off of old mining roads.  Station 29 EMS provided rehab with FC29.  Approximately 60 minutes into the search crew's spotted the downed hunter.  The missing hunter was located off of a power line access road approximately 225 feet down an embankment. 

Members of R51, R21 and R59-1 rappelled down to reach the victim while the remaining crews set up the rigging systems to remove the patient and rescuers.  The incident was complete in just about 2 hours. 

This was the first time crews from the Upper Valley have trained with this type of scenario.  The drill was a success and crews from the Upper Valley will be conducting more live exercise drills in the future. 
 

Vehicle vs. Pole x2 At 0335hrs on Sunday, Oct. 26th the Rescue, EMS, CPD & CFD were sent to the reported car into a utility pole with fluids down at the intersection of 7th Ave. & River St. in the city.  Crews arrived to find the occupant uninjured and in PD custody.  The Rescue crew assisted with hazard control and cleanup.  There was little damage to the pole. Just as the crews returned another vehicle vs. pole was dropped, this time on Pike St. in the city.  Additional information was received that the truck then struck a house and there were multiple lines down.  Rescue 51, Engine 51, 51-9 and 51-8 were on the box and on the scene in less than 2 minutes.  The driver had struck the utility pole, shearing it at the base.  The pole was suspended in the air by the lines.   The driver was self extricated and surprisingly uninjured.  The roadway was closed and PPL notified.  The EMS crews evaluated the patient and obtained refusals.  The Rescue crew assisted with hazard control and vehicle removal.  Upon the arrival of PPL all units returned.

Two alarm fire in 1st due

At 01:46 hrs on October 22nd 51-9 was dispatched along with the Carbondale City FD for the reported working commercial fire on Gordon Ave.  It was quickly determined that the fire was in area 60 (Carbondale Twp.) leading to a different 1st alarm assignment which included R51 and R51-2.  51-9 and E51 were the first to arrive to report a working fire at the former Pioneer Baptist Church.

R51-2 was on the road within minutes and upon arrival laid a 5" line to supply Ladder 58, also supplying hose for a connection between E51 and E60. The box went to 2 alarms bringing in a host of companies providing support. 

Upon the Rescue's arrival the crew was split, with most participating in fire activity on "side c" and the remainder providing lighting, cascade and setting up rehab.    Cottage EMS performed the EMS standby and worked the Rehab sector.   51-9/CH1 transported one firefighter to MCH early in the incident. 

Units cleared just after 5am.  Special thanks to Waymart EMS for standing by while our crews were tied up.  WNEP
 

Jitney runs on  18 box A two alarm fire in Clifford brought out the "51 Jitney". The fire, which went two alarms, consumed a barn and ran at will into 20 wooded acres near Route 106 late Monday afternoon.  Due to the rugged terrain and limited access,  the ATV was specialled for the response. More: www.CliffordFire.com

Marathon passes quietly

On Sunday, October 12th the crews from Cottage were on hand for the 13th annual Steamtown Marathon.  The Marathon passes through all 3 BLS primary coverage areas, as well as a large portion of the ALS coverage The race was covered by 5 ALS crews and the Rescue.  The race passed quietly with only one runner needing assistance in Area 58 (Jermyn) where CH1 assisted Wm. Walker evaluate a runner with respiratory problems who eventually refused treatment.

Busy weekend includes extrication
This past weekend turned out to be a busy one for the crews at Cottage.  The usual busy EMS business was conducted with the weekend crews running back to back calls all weekend. As we do on many weekends throughout the summer, a crew was on standby at the Hurricane Hills Motocross track in Area 24.

The volunteers kept busy with the rescue and special events.  Saturday started early with a crash on Enterprise Drive in the city.  EMS crews transported one while the Rescue assisted with hazard control and cleanup.

At approximately 930pm the Rescue, EMS & Station 61 were sent to Dundaff St. in Fell Twp. for the car into a tree with entrapment.  51-45 (Veina) was the first to arrive to confirm confinement and requesting the Hurst tools for extrication.  Upon the Rescue's arrival the light tower was fire up and crews went to work.  The patient was accessed through the rear of the vehicle.  With the crew from E61-4 providing assistance and fire protection the Rescue crew removed the driver's door, creating an extrication pathway.  The patient was extricated and removed to the EMS unit.  Due to the nature of his injuries, he was taken to the LZ in Carbondale where Squad 51 set up for the LifeFlight 3 landing.   The patient's care was transferred and he was flown to the trauma center.

After cleanup and removal of the vehicle the Rescue was headed back when the found a female lying on the side of the roadway.  The crew called for EMS assistance and care for the patient until 51-9's arrival.  The patient was packaged and transported to MCH. 

Still not back to the station, the Rescue responded as QRS to a residence in the city and assisted the EMS crew with a critically ill patient who was also transported to MCH by Cottage EMS.

Sunday morning brought an ALS crew and the Jitney (Teryx) to area 41 for an offroad 1/2 marathon.  Crews worked with Forest City EMS, Pleasant Mt. EMS and Clifford EMS providing ALS services and off road services with the Jitney.  The ALS unit was set up at the "18 Heavy" which acted as the command center.  Crews cleared the standby in about 5 hours. Half marathon photos from CliffordFire

Cottage crew home from Gulf Coast 
The Cottage ALS crew returned  from Louisiana after assisting  with operations for Hurricane Gustav.
Read their log ~ CNN Story ~ PA Homepage coverage

Double fatality on Rt. 106 
Just before 2am on Sunday, August 17th Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent along with Station 61 for the reported motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle.  Initial reports from the scene indicated one traumatic arrest with 3 total patients.  51-9/CH1 arrived to determine that two of the three patients, unfortunately, were deceased.  The third patient refused care and was taken into State Police custody.

The Rescue provided lighting for over 4 hours while PSP R&I investigated.  They, along with E61-4 also assisted with scene clean up. Just over 24 hours earlier, the Rescue, EMS and 61-4 were sent to the same area of Rt. 106 for the car on it's roof.  The patient was self extricated and ambulatory upon arrival of crews.  He was transported to MCH by 51-9/CH1.  The Rescue provided lighting, hazard control and helped with clean up.

51 cuts again
Photo by C. Melodia

On Monday July 7th, the crews from Cottage were sent to another roll-over MVA with entrapment.  CFD was also sent, but as the call unfolded it was determined that the call was just over the Carbondale City / Carbondale Twp. border. Crews arrived to find a SUV resting on it's passenger side with a female patient, partially ejected with her legs trapped under the A post on the passenger side. Some bystanders had placed a car jack under the truck to relieve the pressure from her legs. The Rescue arrived with the crew quickly going to work along with the E51 crew stabilizing the truck with the Junk Yard Dogs and cribbing.  Access to the patient was made through the rear.  After removing the windshield the roof was flapped backward creating an extrication path.Cottage EMS transported the patient her to Community Medical Center.

Photo Link  On the box:  R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E51, E60, S62

Entrapment on 106 / Casey highway motorcycle crash
On Wednesday July 2nd in the early evening hours Cottage Rescue and EMS were sent along with Station 61 fire for the reported vehicle roll over with entrapment.

The 51 Rescue Officer (Baron) was the first to arrive to confirm an SUV on it's roof with one pinned inside. The Rescue arrived and the crew quickly went to work stabilizing the truck with the Junk Yard Dogs and cribbing.  The crew used the Hurst spreaders to gain access and make an extrication path. While E61-4 provided fire protection, the Rescue and EMS crews extricated the patient who was transported to CMC with significant injuries. Just as the rescue was finished cleaning up they were sent to the Casey Highway with CTFD units for a motorcycle accident.

Cottage also transported this victim to CMC.  The Rescue crew assisted with patient care and packaging. Pix
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