Wednesday morning, #RescueEngine33 was dispatched along with Engine Co. 6 for an accident on Route 50 near MLK Jr. Highway. Multiple calls reporting a vehicle on fire with someone still inside and an overturned tractor trailer led to the assignment being upgraded.
Engine Co. 28 arrived on the eastbound side and could see that one occupant was trapped in a vehicle on its side and on fire. Civilians were attempting to help, with one Good Samaritan using a power washer to spray water into the passenger compartment. It is no exaggeration to say that this citizen’s quick thinking saved the driver’s life, as the water he applied before FD arrival prevented fire from overtaking the passenger compartment.
RE33 used the Yates method to rapidly stabilize the car and began to cut the vehicle to gain access to the driver while 28 and 6 started suppression efforts. Once the roof posts were cut, a ram was used to push the roof away and the occupant was removed from the vehicle and turned over to EMS for transport to the burn center.
Just as quickly as he jumped into action, the Good Samaritan packed up his gear and disappeared after our units arrived. On behalf of the KVFD, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to this anonymous hero for his lifesaving actions.
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