Entrapment on Route 401

This evening at 10:19 pm, TVFD, Elverson EMS (Station 89), and Honey Brook EMS (Station 33) were dispatched to Rt 401 east of Rt 345 for an automobile accident. Chief 69 responded and was advised by Chester County Fireboard of a two vehicle, head-on accident, with up to 4 people injured. Rescue 69, Engine 69-1, Squad 69-1 & 2 responded within minutes with 17 volunteers. Ambulance 89-2 responded and notified the fireboard that they had received a phone call at the station, advising of entrapment at the accident, and requested the upgrade and 2 medic units be dispatched. 89-20 (N. Spece) arrived on scene and found the exact location to be Rt 401 east of Moores Lane, and requested 2 additional ambulances be dispatched, and 2 medical helicopters put on stand-by. Chief 69 arrived and confirmed a head-on accident with one subject entrapped, and requested Ludwig's Corner Fire Co (Station 73) be dispatched due to the exact location being in their area and advised they could set up the landing zone for the helicopters. Engine 69-1 and Rescue 69 arrived and began a "full extrication" on the vehicle, including removing the passenger's side door, entire roof, "rolled" the dashboard, and removed the driver's seat back. The remaining TVFD members assisted the numerous EMS units with patient care and packaging for transport to the hospitals. Extrication of the entrapped subject was completed in 12 minutes, and the patient was transferred to awaiting EMS crews. One patient was taken by helicopter and 3 by ground, to a local trauma center. TVFD remained on scene for several hours to provide lighting and traffic control during the State Police investigation.

All units cleared the scene at 12:30 am.