From Stafford Fire and Rescue:
Members of Stafford County Fire and Rescue were awarded the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Fire Department Response.
On Thursday, April 29, 2021, Stafford units were dispatched for an auto accident at Warrenton Road and Hartwood Road. The first arriving engine found a tractor-trailer rear-ended by a large construction truck. The construction truck driver was trapped, with significant damage to both vehicles.
The Incident Commander immediately added a second heavy rescue, a heavy-duty tow company, Fauquier County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management Medic 1108 and EMS supervisor, and PHI Air Medical Air Care 2 for assistance. Crews extricated the construction vehicle driver after nearly 45 minutes, and the patient was flown to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries but ultimately survived.
This was an incredibly complicated extrication that required extraordinary amounts of coordination. It was a very complex call. The damage to both vehicles was just unbelievable. Our crews quickly determined that they needed assistance from a heavy-duty wrecker, and they worked seamlessly with Sullivan Towing and Recovery to lift one vehicle off the other.
It was a dangerous operation, but our personnel knew they had no choice but to try it. Their bravery and quick thinking saved the driver’s life.
