GRAPHIC VIDEO: Two young women injured and trapped in a car crash with a tree are stabilized and extricated from a wrecked car. Video shows fire department extrication procedures.
Arlington Heights police and Rolling Meadows police officers responded to a one-car accident versus a tree on the east side parkway of New Wilke Road at Sunset Meadows Park. The four-door sedan had extensive driver-side damage and the driver and a passenger were pinned in the car. Both victims needed to be extricated from the wrecked car by Rolling Meadows Fire Department firefighter/paramedics.
Family members of the victims rushed to the scene and witnessed the extrication procedure by firefighter/paramedics, which lasted about 40 minutes for the driver of the car. A passenger was extricated within about 10 minutes. Firefighters used a Hurst Rescue Tool or the “Jaws of Life” to cut the roof posts of the car and peel back the roof of the car. Firefighter paramedics also used a Haligan Tool to remove the windshield. Police officers and extra firefighter/paramedics helped pull the roof back away from the driver to facilitate elevating the driver out of her position in the driver’s seat. Rolling Meadows firefighter/paramedics also applied a Kendrick Extrication Device (KED), which is used to help immobilize a patient’s head, neck and spine in good position to prevent spinal injury.
Rolling Meadows Fire Department sent two rescue-ambulances and two fire engines to the scene for extra rescue equipment and manpower. At least one call came in to Rolling Meadows Fire Department as an accident on Cyndi Court, but actually the call was on New Wilke Road, which would have been a call for Arlington Heights Fire Department.
Firefighter/paramedics got a quick, but reserved, applause after they removed the driver from the car.
The accident is under investigation by Arlington Heights Police Department.
Extrication procedures shown on actual car crash victims:
(Use full screen mode video to see better details for use of tools)
Hurst Tool ‘Jaws of Life’ to cut roof posts and car door hinges
Halligan Tool to remove windshield
Application of Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) for patient spinal immobilization during removal
Great video shot of a successful rescue…