February 2, 2013 — San Diego Firefighters from Station 36, responding to a vehicle rescue call, were first to arrive on scene of a vehicle accident in the 5100 block of Mt. Acadia Avenue, a steep roadway that connects sections of San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhoods through canyon areas.
With Medic 12 and Truck 20 arriving on scene shortly after Engine 36, firefighters reached the vehicle, which was a considerable distance from the roadway. There was a single occupant. Having left the road, the car remained airborne, traveling forward and down into the canyon until it hit a thick growth of ice plant. The car then traveled further into the canyon area, coming to a rest close to a small creek.
Firefighters were able to quickly remove the driver from his car. Placing the man on a backboard, and then into a Stokes basket, firefighters transitioned into a technical rescue mode, using ropes and pulleys attached to Engine 36 and Truck 20 to assist firefighters and ambulance personnel in getting the man back up to the roadway. Just a few short minutes later, he was on his way to the hospital via Medic 12.
Related from FireRescue magazine:
Extrication: Know the Ropes
A solid knowledge of rope rescue can be vital for certain extrication incidents
