News

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, at approximately 9:54 AM, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Accident in the area of 10635 Race Track Rd. While en route, Worcester Dispatch advised of a rollover-style accident with entrapment.

Paramedic 11-1 was the first to arrive on the scene and confirmed a single vehicle on its roof with entrapment. They requested to initiate a Rescue Box and called for Aviation/MSP Trooper 4. A Rescue Box brings one additional fire engine, rescue truck, and medic unit to the scene.

Upon arrival, Lt. Enste established command and coordinated the necessary resources to stabilize the vehicle and extricate the patient. Ocean Pines Paramedics remained in the vehicle with the patient throughout the extrication process. Once freed from the vehicle, paramedics immediately began assessing injuries and coordinating with Trooper 4.

During the extrication, heavy rain began falling, forcing Trooper 4 to relocate the landing zone to the Ocean City Municipal Airport. Ocean City Fire Department responded with one engine to standby at the airport. The patient was transported by MSP Trooper 4 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

First Responders faced numerous challenges during the incident, from changing weather conditions to the remoteness of the vehicle from the roadway and standing water up to 3 feet in depth in some areas. Additionally, the passenger compartment/roof of the vehicle was severely compromised. Incidents like this underscore the importance of fire departments constantly training and seeking higher certifications for their personnel in areas such as vehicle extrication and water rescues.

Thank you goes out to the Showell, Berlin, Bishopville, and Ocean City Fire Departments for their assistance.