2022 ANNUAL REPORT-Final

83

UNIT CITATION

Unit Citation

Engine 251

Ambulance 259

Lieutenant Kevin Trevey Technician Joseph Meister

Firefighter Andrew Keller Firefighter Zachary Main

Firefighter Timothy Pannebaker

Medic 23

EMS 902

Firefighter/Medic Bartholomew Martin

Lieutenant/Medic Michael Steele

On December 1, 2021, at 16:59 units were dispatched to the 10701 Fingerboard Road for a reported, subject with his arm trapped in a corn picker.

A259 arrived on scene to find the patient standing on the frame of a corn picker, bent over the side with his left arm partially amputated and entrapped inside the corn picker. E251 arrived on scene and Lt. Trevey established command. FF Keller disconnected the PTO to eliminate further injury to the patient and ensure a safe working area for the crews. FF Main administered oxygen to the patient, obtained initial vitals and supported the patient who was partially suspended over the rear of the machine. FF Keller assessed the entrapment and determined the patient’s forearm was entrapped between two rollers in the corn picker. FF Pannebaker located a step ladder and positioned it to allow better patient access for FF/Medic Martin and Lt. Steele to initiate ALS care. A tourniquet was applied to prevent additional blood loss, an IV was established and pain medications were administered. Lt. Trevey requested aviation and an additional engine company for the landing zone. Chief 15, Ben Nalborczyk, arrived on scene, assumed command, and assigned Battalion 901 as the Rescue Group Supervisor. Lt. Trevey and FF Keller then began working the forked end of their Halligan bars, from opposite sides, in between the two rollers that entrapped the patient’s arm using wedges to capture and maintain their progress. Crews were able to disentangle the patients arm from the machine in less than 20 minutes without causing any additional harm. A splint was applied, and the patient was transferred to the ambulance. Once in the ambulance, EMS providers enhanced the initial splint and dressings and continued patient care until the arrival of MSP Trooper 2. The patient was flown to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma where doctors were able to save his arm and reported he was recovering well.

This Unit Citation is being presented in recognition of the quick and decisive actions of personnel that contributed to a positive outcome for this patient.