MAVFC Units Extricate Motorcyclist Trapped Under Tractor Trailer

On Sunday June 5, 2011 at 0117 hours Carroll County 911 dispatched Rescue Alarm 1-3 for a vehicle collision with entrapment in the 1000 block of Twin Arch Road. While enroute units were updated by dispatch that the collision involved a motorcycle and a tractor trailer with the motorcyclist reported trapped beneath the trailer. Paramedic 19 arrived at approximately 0123 hours and verified a single patient trapped under a motorcycle which was crushed under the trailer portion of a 68,000 pound amusement ride. EMS care was immediately provided by Paramedic 19. Upon the arrival of Rescue 1, crews quickly began to stabilize the vehicle and began the extrication process. Due to the extent of the entrapment and the size of the trailer, an additinal heavy rescue squad was requested bringing Rescue Squad 12 (Sykesville) to the incident scene. A special request was made for Howard County Squad 5 due to the unit being equipped with a crane. A request was also made for a heavy duty tow truck to assist with lifting and stabilizing the trailer. At the request of the EMS crew, MSP aviation was requested for patient transport to a trauma center once extricated. Due to the extended extrication and the severity of the patients injuries, the Shock Trauma "Go Team" was requested. The "Go Team" is a mobile surgical team which can be brought to the scene of an extended extrication via helicopter and are equipped to perform on scene surgical stabilization. Upon the arrival of Rescue Squad 12 and Howard County Squad 5 the Rescue division was transitioned to them. EMS crews reported the patient had sustained significant injuries due to being trapped under the motorcycle which was crushed under the trailer. Access to the patient was hampered due to the trailer's belly compartments, generator, and hydralic pump and tank. Two large heavy duty tow trucks utilized chains and their booms to lift the rear trailer portion as crews stabilized. After approximately 1 1/2 hours crews were able to fully stabilize and raise the trailer portion approximately 24 inches enabling crews to disentangle and lift the motorcycle from the patient. The patient was agressively treated, stabilized and transported to the awaiting helicopter. The patient was transported to the trauma center for treatment.
The last units cleared the scene at 0349 hours.