South Fire District operates out of one (1) house with a Truck (1 Captain / 3 Firefighters), an Engine (1 Lieutenant / 3 Firefighters) and the Captain of Training and Safety in a Service Vehicle (Car 32).

Shortly after lunchtime on Wednesday 6.04.2025, units were dispatched to the area of 689 East Ridge Road which is a two (2) lane residential street for the reported two (2) car motor vehicle accident.

U/A the Shift Captain assigned to Truck 34 reported a parked vehicle had been struck by a four (4) door sedan which resulted in the striking vehicle being rolled and resting on the operator’s side with an elderly male party trapped inside of the operators compartment.

Following a rapid size-up of the incident by the Truck Captain and a hazards check of the area by the Safety Officer, both companies converged on the vehicle in a collaborative effort to stabilize the vehicle to prevent further injury and entrapment of the lone occupant and to provide a safe means for patient access.

Stabilization was achieved with the deployment and implementation of Paratech Rescue Struts along with associated straps and step chocks.

The scene was made safe effectively and efficiently due to the ease of placing the Paratech Rescue Struts into service.

Utilizing a Halligan bar, Hurst E-Draulic Tools, a Glass-Master, and seat belt cutter, the injured party was able to be contacted, treated (stabilized), and removed from the vehicle prior to being transported by the local hospital based ambulance service.

Our frequent training with the Paratech Rescue Struts and the recognition of of their use being needed, the operation ran well by all involved and the incident was swiftly placed under control with all units being placed back into service.