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6/20/04 MVC with Fatality

Father's Day morning had Aetna responding to an MVC on I95 NB near Otts Chapel Road. Units arrived to find a total of 14 victims, one which was partially ejected from a mini-van. Rescue 8, E7-4, and E9-5 worked to extricate patients from the mini-van, which had rolled multiple times and rested on its roof. Trooper 4 and LifeNet each flew a patient, while A8, B9, A21, A7, 3-9-2 and A19 along with C8, M6D and M5D transported 11 to surrounding hospitals. Chief 98 had command.

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6/18/04 03:01 House Fire @ 610 Normans Ln

Aetna was alerted to assist Hockessin on a working fire in the early morning on Friday. Due to the remote nature of this location, first arriving units found a large 2 story home heavily involved. Rescue 8 and Squrt 7 made the response from Aetna and assisted in an external attack on the home. Multiple handlines and large caliber streams were placed into service during this alarm.

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6/16/04 05:34 Townhouse Fire @ 2 Keith Street

Approximately 24 hours after clearing from the previous fire, Aetna was alerted to a house fire at 2 Keith Street with Christiana as mutual aid. Lieutenant 8 arrived with smoke showing from the roof shortly after. E9-3 and Ladder 9 responded along with E12-5 and Rescue 21 to find fire in the attic, which was quickly knocked.

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6/14/04 Aetna Responds to Multiple Working Alarms

Storm activity lead to Aetna responding to an amazing five working fires in 12 hours. Aetna first assisted Mill Creek on a working fire in an apartment building by sending Squrt 7 and E9-1. The fire was stopped in the attic after a good run. Within 20 minutes, Aetna was alerted to a gas-fed fire in the south-district. Squrt 7, E8-2, and E9-3 responded with Elkton as mutual aid. Just before midnight, Aetna was requested to assist Elkton a working fire and sent E9-5. Within one minute of that dispatch, Aetna was alerted to another fire in Scottfield. Assistant Chief 98B arrived with fire showing from the basement. Crews from E74, R8, E12-5, R17, and E6-6 operated for over an hour.

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6/8/04 18:38 Building Fire @ 101 Academy Street

Crews were enjoying the afternoon outside of Station 9, when alarm bells were heard across from the firehouse. Moments later, Aetna was alerted to a building fire at 101 Academy Street with Elkton as mutual aid. E9-3 arrived shortly to find the 1st floor filling with smoke and several large manufacturing rooms banked down. E9-1 grabbed a hydrant and assisted E9-3 in advancing a line to find fire in an industrial oven used for curing special polymers. L9, E8-2, and units from Elkton assisted in ventilation and checking for extension. E12-5 stood by as the RIT. Deputy 8 had command.

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5/30/04 17:55 Fatal MVC + rollover & ejection @ 114 Cook Way

Late afternoon on Sunday, Aetna was alerted to another MVC with rollover and ejection in front of 114 Cook Way. Units arriving found a SUV that had rolled into the front yard of 114, ejecting its driver onto the roof of the home. Crews from Rescue 8, E9-1, A8, and Trooper 4 worked to stabilize and transport the two occupants, one of which died days later at CER. Deputy 8 had command.

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5/30/04 02:03 MVC + rollover & ejection @ 1201 Casho Mill Rd

Just after 2am, Aetna was alerted to an MVC with ejection near the railroad bridge on Casho Mill Road. First units arriving found a single vehicle that had rollover multiple times and flipped over a 7' fence into a residential backyard. Rescue 8, E74, A7, and Deputy 9 worked to stabilize and transport the ejected occupants before turning the scene over to NPD. Deputy 9 had command.

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5/26/04 15:33 Fatal MVC w/Entrapment @ Pleasant Valley Rd

On May 26th at 15:33 hrs, Aetna (7-8-9) along with Medic 6, Trooper 4, and Singerly Fire Company (Cecil County 3-13-14) Ambulance 3-9-1, were alerted for an MVC with entrapment at Pulaski Highway and Pleasant Valley Road. Deputy 9 arrived within 2 minutes finding the crash to be just north of the intersection on Pleasant Valley Road. Deputy 9 found a head-on collision invoving a Chevy van and a dump truck with both occupants of the van trapped and the passenger in cardiac arrest. With Engine 9-5 being the only rescue tool equipped apparatus responding, Deputy 9 requested an additional rescue to respond. Christiana Fire Company (3-6-12) was alerted, and Rescue 3 made the response. Engine 9-5 arrived on scene at 15:44 hrs. At this point Medic 6, Trooper 4, and 3-9-1 were already on scene providing patient care. 9-5s crew split up on arrival taking on the tasks of setting up the Holmatro tools, stabilizing both vehicles, and placing the booster line in service for protection. Shortly after extrication began, ALS pronounced the passenger D.O.A., and extrication efforts were concentrated on the driver. First the driver door was removed. Then crews cut both A & B post in order to flap the roof of the van. At this time 9-5s crew worked on the driver side under the command of 9-8B, while Rescue 3s crew worked on the passenger side under the command of Deputy 8. The driver's right leg was pinned under the dash, so a dash roll was needed to extricate him. Extrication of the driver was completed at 16:03 hrs. Once he was packaged, the driver was transported by A-9 to Trooper 4s LZ where he was flown to Christiana ER. With the driver extricated crews then worked on removing the D.O.A. The entire passenger side B post was removed in order to take the victim out of the van. Deputy 9 placed the scene under control at 16:11 hrs, with all Fire Department units clear the scene by 16:40 hrs. The scene was turned over to Delaware State Police for investigation.

Units on scene: A-9, 9-5, Rescue 3, Cecil County Ambulance 3-9-1, Medic 6, Command 6, Trooper 4, DSP, DELDOT, and Aetna Fire Police.

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5/20/04 07:39 House Fire @ 113 East Cleveland Avenue

Aetna still had most of its units working at the Waters Edge fire, when it was alerted to a house fire on East Cleveland Avenue. Due to multiple transfers for the previous fire, Squrt 16 and Engine 15-5 made the response from Station 9 and 7 respectively. Ladder 12 had just cleared Waters Edge and was put on the box as well. Ladder 9, which had just returned to quarters from running a CPR on its way home from the Waters Edge fire, responded right behind Squrt 16. Squrt 16 and Ladder 9 arrived a few minutes later to find a row of townhomes with smoke showing from the rear and eves. 9 Captain 1 assumed command while Squrt 16 began to place a 1-3/4" attack line in-service and establish a water supply from a hydrant across the street. Ladder 9 went ahead of the line to find the fire and perform a quick search, although the occupants stated all were accounted for. This row of townhomes provides housing for students of the University of Delaware and additional manpower was spent waking adjacent unit's occupants to evacuate while crews were advancing on the fire. Fire was found in a 2nd floor rear bedroom and extinguished quickly and units were held to Squrt 16, Ladder 9, E15-5, and Ladder 12. All units were clear within 40 minutes after overhaul.

Aetna would like to extend its most sincere thanks to the units covering and operating during both fires!

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5/20/04 03:11 Building Fire @ 700 Waters Edge Drive

At 03:11 hrs Aetna (7-8-9) along with Singerly (Cecil County 3-13-14) were dispatched for a building fire in the area of 2206 Waters Edge Drive. Minutes later Fireboard re-dispatched the alarm as a working building fire with possible subjects trapped at 700 Waters Edge Drive. The working alarm dispatch added Christiana Fire Company (3-6-12) for an engine and ladder company as well as Mill Creek Fire Company (2-21) for the R.I.T., and Medic 6. A-9 was first to arrive at 03:18 hrs, and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of the building. The building was a 3 story to the front and 4 story to the rear apartment building. The rear of the building backed up to a man made pond. On the B side was grass that sloped down towards the pond at the middle of the building. The C side was attached to the 800 building. Entrance to the building from the front was on the 2nd level. 3rd floor apartments had a 2nd floor, which was the make-up of the 4th floor of the building. Engine 7-4 arrived at 03:23 hrs followed by Engine 9-3 who layed a 5 " supply line from the hydrant at building 900. Ladder 12 arrived next and positioned at the AB corner and set up for ladder pipe operations. Engine 8-2 arrived and layed a 5" supply line from the hydrant at the complex entrance to Ladder 12.

Crews were advised of a possible handicapped subject trapped in apartment 702. FFs from 9-3 and 7-4 advanced a 400' 1 3/4" hand line into Apartment 702 to begin a search for the possible trapped occupant during which they encountered heavy fire conditions to the rear of the apartment. Another crew advanced a 1-3/4" hand line down to the first floor of the building to begin fire attack there. The search of apartment 702 was negative and as those firefighters were backing out of apartment 702, the emergency evacuation was sounded due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions in the attic and rear. Once all crews backed out of the 700 building and were accounted for, a defensive attack was mounted using master streams and several exterior hand lines. At the same time crews from Ladder 9, 9-3, and Christiana began advancing hand lines to the 4th floor of the 800 building in order to stop the fire spread in the attic. Once these crews pulled ceiling and placed hand lines in service they were able to stop the fire from spreading any further.

The majority of the fire was knocked down by 04:09 hrs with Aetna firefighters and numerous mutual aid companies consisting of Hockessin Fire Company (19), Minquas of Newport (23), Middletown (27), Belvedere (30), Cranston Heights (14), and North East (Cecil County) (4) staying on scene for several hours to perform a lengthy overhaul process.

All apartments in building 700 sustained major fire damage. 2 subjects from the 700 building had to jump to safety from their 2nd floor windows prior to the fire department arrival. They were transported to Christiana ER by UD-1 BLS stand-by at the scene was handled by UD-1, B-14 (Cranston Heights), A-17 (Five Points Fire Company), and A-28 (Wilmington Manor Fire Company)

The last fire department unit was clear the scene at 12:35 hrs.

Units on scene: A-9, 7-4, 8-2, Rescue 8, 9-3, Ladder 9, U-9, 9-0, 3-5, 6-6, 12-5, Ladder 12, Rescue 21, Cecil County Engines 3-1-4, 3-1-3, and 4-1-1, 27-3, 23-4, 19-3, 14-4, Squrt 30, A-17, A-28, B-15, UD-1, Medic 6, Command 6, ES4, Delaware State Fire Marshall, Arson 1, American Red Cross, 23 Marine 2 (To assist DSFM with investigation), NCCPD, and Aetna Fire Police.

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5/19/04 13:12 MVC w/Entrapment @ E.Cleveland & Paper Mill

On May 19th at 13:12 hrs, Aetna (7-8-9) along with Medic 6 were dispatched for an MVC with entrapment at the intersection of East Cleveland Avenue and Paper Mill Road. First arriving units, Engine 9-5 and Medic 6, found a Ford Thuderbird that had struck 2 other vehicles, traveled across a concrete island, struck several signs, and had come to rest in some bushes. The car had heavy front end damage causing the entrapment. 9-5s crew stabilized the vehicle, while Medic 6 initiated patient care. 9-5s crew then placed the combination tool in service in order to open the door. Once the door was opened ambulance A-8s crew, with the assistance of Rescue 8s crew were able to package the patient and move him to A-8. Extrication was completed at 13:24 hrs. The patient was transported to Christiana ER by A-8 and Medic 6. The drivers of the other vehicles that were involved were uninjured. All fire department units were clear by 13:41 hrs, with the scene being turned over to Newark police for investigation.

Units on scene: A-8, A-9, 9-5, Rescue 8, Medic 6, Newark police, and Aetna fire police.

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5/14/04 15:07 House Explosion @ 4 Elk Lane

Shortly after 3 P.M., Aetna (7-8-9) along with Singerly (Cecil County 3-13-14) were dispatched for a house fire at 4 Elk Lane in Robscott Manor. After receiving numerous phone calls reporting a house that had exploded, Fireboard alerted Christiana Fire Company (3-6-12) for an Engine company, Mill Creek (2-21) for a Rescue company, and Medic 6. 7 Captain 1 was first to arrive at 15:13 hrs, reporting smoke showing from a 1 1/2 story SFD. He also requested the Collapse Team from Claymont (13) to respond. Engine 9-3 arrived at 15:14 and layed a 5" supply line from the closest hydrant. At this point Assistant Chief 9-8B assumed command while E9-3s crew advanced a 1-3/4" to the front of the structure in order to attack the fire. A close look at the house found it to have sustained major damage, and it had already partially collapsed. 9-8B gave the order at 15:15 that no firefighters would enter the structure. E9-3s crew placed a total of 3 1 3/4" hand lines in service to attack the heavy fire conditions prior to the arrival of the next in engine. When Quint 3-7 arrived at 15:20 hrs, it was given the assignment to place its aerial in service for ladder pipe operations. Engine 9-5 layed a 5" supply line from a secondary hydrant in order to supply 3-7. Once more crews arrived and additional hand lines were placed in service, firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down by 15:52 hrs. Connectiv gas had to respond, however, in order to shut the gas off so that the houses' burning gas meter could be extinguished. The majority of assisting companies were clear the scene by 7 P.M. Aetna personnel remained on scene for several hours due to several small fires still burning inside the structure. 9-8B was able to place the scene under control at 22:19 hrs. All Aetna units were clear the scene by 23:49 hrs. There were no reported civilian injuries, but 1 cat was rescued and taken to a local veterinary hospital due to burns. Unfortunately 4 pet birds did perish.

Units on scene: 9-3, 9-5, 9-0, A-9, B-9, EMS 9, Rescue 8, 7-4, Squrt 7, 3-7, 12-5, Rescue 21, Cecil county Engines 3-1-1 and 3-1-2, Cecil County Rescue 3-7-1, Rescue 13, Special Ops 13, Medic6, UD-1, University of Delaware Mobile Command Post, DSFM, Arson 1, NCCPD, & Aetna fire police.

Cover Ups: 27-3 @ Sta.7, 21-7 @ Sta.9, 23-4, A-15, & Cecil County Ambulance 3-9-1 @ Sta.9, 30-5 @ Sta.3

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5/5/04 13:04 Fatal MVC @ Rt 40 and Pleasant Valley Rd

Shortly after 1 A.M. on May 5th Aetna (7-8-9), Medic 3, Singerly Ambulance (Cecil County 3-13-14) and the LifeNet Helicopter were dispatched for an MVC with entrapment and possible fire at Pulaski Highway (Route 40) & Pleasant Valley Road. Engine 7-4 and Ambulance B-9 arrived at 01:16 hrs to find a Mustang with heavy front end damage sitting in the westbound lanes of Rt.40. B-9s crew found the driver heavily trapped and obvious D.O.A. from multiple injuries including massive head trauma. B-9 recieved pronouncement orders from DFES and the responding ALS was cancelled. The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured. The car hit the truck with such force that the tandem wheels on the trailer were knocked off and sent into the Eastbound lanes of Rt.40. 7-4 and Rescue 8 stood-by the scene until authorized by DSP to extricate the driver around 2:30 A.M. Once the driver was removed he was transported by the Medical Examiner. Rescue 8 cleared the scene shortly before 3 A.M. with 7-4 and Light Truck 23 staying on scene to provide lighting for DSP. Fire department units were clear the scene by 04:12 hrs.

Units on scene: A-7, B-9. 7-4, Rescue 8, 12-5, Cecil County Ambulance 3-9-1, Light Truck 23, DSP, and Aetna Fire Police.

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4/23/04 18:48 MVC + Fire @ 20 Marrows Road

Aetna (7-8-9) along with Medic 3 were dispatched to 20 Marrows Rd for an MVC with injuries and a vehicle on fire. First arriving units were on scene within 5 minutes and found a pick-up truck crashed head-on into a concrete sign post. Both occupants were already out of the vehicle, and the trucks' engine compartment was on fire. The fire was extending into the passenger compartment as well as the restaurant sign above. Engine 9-5 arrived on scene at 18:56 hrs and placed the booster line in service in order to extinguish the blaze. The driver of the vehicle recieved minor head and leg injuries and was transported by Ambulance A-9 and 1/2 of Medic 3 to Christiana ER. The passenger of the truck, however, recieved serious burns to his face, hand, and legs as well as possible inhalation burns. He was transported to Christiana ER by Ambulance B-9 and the other 1/2 of Medic 3. Last units cleared the scene at 23:05 hrs after crash investigation was completed.

Units on scene: A-8, A-9, B-9, 8-2, Rescue 8, 9-5, Medic 3, Light Truck 23, NCCPD, and Aetna Fire Police.

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4/7/04 New Homatro Rescue Tools Place In-Service

On April 7th 2004, Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Company completed their change-over from Hurst to Holmatro rescue tools. Engine 7-4, Engine 9-5, and Rescue 8 have all been outfitted with Holmatro rescue tools. 7-4 and 9-5 are equipped with the same assortment of tools. They both carry a portable power unit that is capable of running 2 tools simultaneously. They are also equipped with a combination tool, a cutter, a small ram, and a medium ram. Rescue 8's main power unit runs 3 pre-connected tools. Rescue 8 is also equipped with 2 portable power units. These units differ from the units carried on 7-4 and 9-5. They have the ability to have 2 tools connected at a time, but only allow the operation of 1 tool at a time. Rescue 8 is capable of having 7 tools connected at 1 time, with 5 of them in operation. The 3 pre-connected tools on Rescue 8 consist of a combination tool, a cutter, and a 27" spreader. The others Holmatro tools carried by Rescue 8 are another cutter, a small ram, 2 medium rams, and a large ram.

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3/20/04 New Pierce Dash Pumper placed In-Service

On March 20th Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Comapny placed their 2004 Pierce Dash Pumper in service. The engine has a 6 man cab, 750 gallon tank, and a 1500 GPM pump. The engine is also equipped with TAC 4 suspension. The engine is designated as 7-4 and replaces a 1991 KME. The old 7-4 has been moved to station 9 and is running as Engine 9-5. 9-5 takes the place of Engine 9-1, which is also a 1991 KME. 9-1 has been placed into reserve status.

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3/12/04 12:30 Building Fire @ 5517 Limerick Circle

Crews were eating lunch in the backroom of Station 9 when Aetna was alerted to assist Mill Creek (2, 21) as RIT on a working building fire. Engine 9-3 responded with a full crew and arrived to stand-by with the IC as a dedicated RIT. Members of the RIT sized-up the structure which was a 4-story apartment building with a terrace level in the rear. The fire originated in the kitchen and spread to a few rooms but did not extend due to the block constructions of the units. E9-3 cleared egress points of the fire apartment and was thankfully not needed as a RIT at the alarm.

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3/10/04 10:32 Fatal House Fire @ 208 Arlene Court

In the morning of March 3rd, Aetna was alerted with Christiana to a house fire in the 200 block of Arlene Court. Squrt 7 and Engine 9-1 made the response with A7 dispatched for EMS standy-by. While enroute, units were advised of people trapped. S7 was third to arrive and were immediately ordered to advance a second 1-3/4" to the interior. While the first line was operating in the basement, S7 advanced to the second floor and began a search for the trapped occupants. A child was found in cardiac arrest under a 2nd floor window and quickly removed by S7. Crews were then removed from the residence due to a collapsing floor and for accountability, but later re-engaged the remaining fire. Paramedics were able to perform a successful resuscitation enroute to CER via A7, but the next day the child succombed to its injuries. Sadly, a second child was later found in the residence who had also succombed to its injuries.

News Journal Articles and Video

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3/6/04 14:50 House Fire @ 1002 Marrows Road

Aetna was alerted to a house fire with Christiana as mutual aid with a report of smoke coming from the front door. Assistant Chief 8-8B arrived reporting smoke showing. E9-3 arrived soon after establishing a 5" supply to a hydrant in the front yard and advancing a 1-3/4" handline to the interior. Fire was found in the kitchen and attic and quickly knocked. A quick search of the rooms turned up negative and units began to clear about 1450 hours.

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3/1/04 13:29 House Fire @ 519 Burnham Lane

On March 1st at 13:29 hrs Middletown (27) was dispatched for a working house fire at 519 Burnham Lane. Engine 7-4 had just cleared an MVC in the southern end of the district and was sent on the road to assist. Engine 27-5 arrived at 13:40 hrs and reported smoke showing from a 2 story SFD and advised the next engine in to take a hydrant. 7-4 was next to arrive at 13:45 and took the hydrant assignment, laying 600' of 5" supply line to 27-5. The crew of 7-4 was assigned to the 2nd floor for search and ventilation. Their search of the 2nd floor resulted in negative results. Once the scene was placed under control 7-4s crew also assisted with some overhaul. The hydrant line did not need to be charged, and was repacked quickly with 7-4 clearing the scene by 14:32.

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2/23/04 23:18 Building Fire @ 3 Fairway Rd

Aetna (7-8-9), Mill Creek (2-21), Christiana (3-6-12), Hockessin (19), Cranston Heights R.I.T.(14), and New Castle County Paramedics were alerted for a working building fire at 3 Fairway Road in Admiral Club Apartments. Engine 8-2 was first to arrive at 23:24 hrs to find a 3 story garden style apartment building with fire showing from a bottom floor apartment. 8-2s crew placed a 1 3/4" hand line in service and advanced it into the fire apartment. Engine 9-3 arrived right behind 8-2 and layed a 5" supply line from the hydrant to 8-2. While 8-2s crew attacked the bedroom fire, 9-3s crew initiated a search of the building. As additional units arrived a back-up 1 3/4" line was placed in service as well as numerous ladders being thrown to the building. Interior crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down by 23:32 hrs, and all searches proved negative. The fire was placed under control at 23:35 with all units clear the scene by 02:00. There were no reported injuries, however 1 dog did perish in the blaze.

Units on scene: 8-2, 9-3, Squrt 7, Rescue 8, Ladder 9, A-7, B-9, EMS 9, 2-6, 2-7, 21-6, 21-7, Rescue 3, Ladder 12, Rescue 14, 19-3, UD-1, Medic 3, Command 1, and DSFM.

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2/22/04 04:38 House Fire @ 765 Salem Church Road

On February 22nd at 04:38 hrs Aetna was alerted for engine company assist Christiana (3-6-12) on a working house fire at 765 Salem Church Rd. Squrt 7 and Engine 9-1 responded as well as Ambulance A-7 for EMS stand-by. On arrival of Aetna units, the I.C. had already ordered all Firefighters out of the structure and an exterior attack was being initiated. Aetna crews assited with extinguishment using 1 3/4" handlines. They also assisted with laddering the structure. Once the fire was under control units assisted with some overhaul, and were released by 06:30.

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2/12/04 11:31 MVC w/Entrapment on Upper Pike Creek Rd

At 11:31 hrs, Aetna, along with NCC Medic 7 and Trooper 4, were alerted for an MVC with entrapment at 435 Upper Pike Creek Rd. A-9 and Medic 7 arrived at 11:41 hrs to find that a single vehicle had struck a tree. A-9s crew found the driver to be unconscious and confirmed that he was trapped. The car had impacted the tree at the driver's door with enough force to push the driver's seat to the middle of the car. Engine 9-1 arrived a minute later and started the extrication process. While A-9 and Medic 7 treated the patient, 9-1s crew determined that the car was stabilized, and placed the palidan tool in service in order to remove the passenger door. Once the door was removed crews were able to gain better access to the patient. It was then determined that his legs were pinned by the dash, so a dash displacement would be needed. By this time Rescue 8 had arrived on scene providing more extrication tools. 9-8B also arrived on scene and assumed command. Crews used the Palidan tool, O--Cutter, and Sawzall in order to remove the roof. Crews then placed a Ram in service in order to displace the dash enough in order to remove the patients legs. Once the patients legs were freed he was placed on a backboard and removed to A-9 for further assessment and treatment. 9-8B advised that extrication was complete at 12:01 hrs. The initial plan was for the patient to be flown to Christiana ER by Trooper 4. However, while the patient was being treated in A-9 it was determined that he was too unstable to fly, and that he would have to go by ground. A-9 transported him as a trauma code to Christiana ER with Medic 7 and MD 41 on board. 9-8B placed the scene under control at 12:10 hrs, with all FD units clear the scene by 12:30.

Units on scene: A-9, 9-1, Rescue 8, Medic 7, Trooper 4, MD 41, New Castle County Police, and Aetna Fire Police.

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2/6/04 01:57 Building Fire w/ 9 Rescues @ 16 Fairway Rd

At 01:57 hours, Aetna was alerted to a building fire at Admiral Club Apartments with Mill Creek as mutual aid. A few minutes later, Medic 3 arrived onscene reporting fire showing. About this time, E8-2, E9-3, Ladder 12, and 21-7 were enroute to the call which was upgraded with multiple reports of people trapped on the upper floors. E8-2 arrived reporting people showing from the windows and requesting additional BLS and ALS to the scene. While E8-2 advanced a 1-3/4" preconnect, the driver and Deputy 8 with assistance from Medic 3 threw ground ladders and began rescuing mulitiple occupants. A second alarm was reqested bringing Tower 19, Engine 16, Rescue 17. 21-7 arrived and began searches of the building while E9-3 advanced a backup line. Ladder 12 went to the roof to open up despite extremely snowy and icy conditions. Ladder 9 pulled into the back courtyard reporting additional occupants in the windows and a report from PD of multiple children trapped in a third floor apartment. While the aerial set up, Ladder 9's crew entered the apartment over a ground ladder and searched to find a family of four in the living room while more rescues were being made over ground ladders from other apartments. A total of nine occupants were rescued over ground ladders and interior stairs. The second alarm was put in staging and units began to clear around 0300 hours.

News Journal Article and Video

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1/31/04 16:45 MVC w/Entrapment @ Elkton Rd & Christina Pkwy

At 23:46 hrs, Stations 7,8, & 9 (Aetna Hose, Hook, & Ladder Co.), Medic 6, and Trooper 4 were alerted for an MVC with entrapment at the entrance to the Suburban Plaza Shopping Center on Elkton Road in Newark. Ambulance A-7 arrived at 23:50 hrs to find a multi vehicle (3), multi patient (7) MVC, with 2 subjects trapped. At this point, an additional Medic unit (Medic 1) as well as Lifenet Helo was requested to respond.

By 23:56 hrs Ambulance A-8, Medic 6, Squrt 7, and Deputy 7 had arrived on scene, with Deputy 7 assuming command. Out of the 7 total patients on scene, 3 were determined to be ALS, and the other 4 were BLS only. Deputy 7 requested an additional BLS to the scene, bringing Christiana Fire Company (Stations 3,6, & 12) ambulance B-3 to the scene. Crews on scene were able extricate and initiate transport of the 1st trapped subject by 00:03 hrs. He was transported to Christiana ER by A-7 and Medic 6.

In order to extricate the 2nd subject a complete roof removal was necessary. By that time Engine 9-1 and Rescue 8 had arrived on scene. Assistant Chief 9-8B arrived on Rescue 8 and took command of the extrication. Crews used O-Cutters and a Palidan tool to remove the roof. Extrication of the 2nd subject was made at 00:14 hrs. He was packaged and placed on Trooper 4 for transport to Christiana ER. Lifenet was cancelled, and the other 5 subjects (1 by A-8 and Medic 1 and the other 4 by B-3) were transported to Christiana ER by ground. Deputy 7 placed the scene under control at 00:28 hrs; with all Fire Department units clear the scene by 01:00 hrs.

Units on scene: A-7, A-8, Squrt 7, Rescue 8, 9-1, B-3, Medic 1, Medic 6, Command 1, Trooper 4, Newark Police, and Aetna Fire Police.

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1/30/04 22:00 House Fire @ 116 Hopkins Court

At 22:00 hrs Aetna along with Christiana (3-6-12) were alerted for a townhouse fire at 116 Hopkins Ct. At 22:03 hrs first arriving units found smoke coming from the chimney only. Upon closer inspection of the townhouse light smoke was found emitting from the 1st floor windows. At this point smoke showing was given bringing Mill Creek (2-21) for the R.I.T. along with NCC Paramedics. The crew from Engine 8-2 made forcible entry, and upon doing so found fire rolling up the basement stairway. 8-2s crew split with 2 firefighters advancing a 1 3/4" hand line to the basement, while another 2 firefighters initiated a primary search. Engine 9-3 laid a 5" supply line from the hydrant to 8-2. Rescue 8's crew advanced a 2nd 1 3/4" handline into the structure, and 9-3's crew assisted with searching the building. The fire was placed under control by 22:27 hrs with crews remaining on scene for ovehaul purposes. Last F.D. units were cleared at 00:24 hrs due to a lengthy investigation by the State Fire Marshalls office.

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1/30/04 19:00 Fatal House Fire @ 48 Martindale Drive

At 19:00 hrs Aetna along with Christiana (3-6-12), Mill Creek (2-21) for the R.I.T., and NCC Paramedics were alerted for a house fire with a possible subject trapped at 48 Martindale Dr in the development of Brookside. Engine 8-2 was first to arrive at 19:06 finding thick smoke covering the roadway. Once they approached the house they found a large volume of fire showing from the A & B sides. 8-2s crew placed a 1 3/4" handline in service and advanced it through the front door. At the same time a 5" supply line was hand stretched to a near-by hydrant. While crews were attacking the fire it was found that all occupants had been removed to a neighbors house prior to F.D. arrival. As additional crews from Engines 9-3, 12-5, 7-4, and Rescue 8 arrived a primary search was initiated as well as additional handlines being placed in service. Crews had to use 2 1 3/4" hand lines to protect the B exposure, cool a venting propane tank, and extinguish fire in the carport. All searches of the interior proved negative. The fire was placed under control at 19:31 hrs, with the house sustaining heavy fire damage. A total of 3 residents required transport to the hospital. The most serious, a 5 year old child, sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 90% of his body, and was transported to Christiana ER by A-9 and Medic 3. An adult female sustained burns to her hands, and another child suffered smoke inhalation. They were also transported to CER. The child burn Pt was transferred to Crozer Chester burn Center in Chester, PA. Unfortunately the child succombed to his injuries a few days later. All Fire Dept. units were clear the scene by 21:16 hrs.