Girard Township, PA – This morning, shortly before 11:00 AM, emergency crews from A.F. Dobler Hose Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to the 11000 block of Ridge Road in Girard Township for a reported motor vehicle crash. Initial information from Erie County dispatch indicated that Pennsylvania State Police were already on scene and had confirmed a vehicle had struck a utility pole, with wires down. It was unknown at the time whether the lines were live.

Responding units arrived to find one vehicle on its side in a ditch, with significant damage after striking a utility pole. Crews confirmed that wires were down in the area and that the driver was trapped inside the vehicle. Rescue 544 requested an additional rescue unit to assist with the extrication. The Lake City Fire Company was dispatched, and Chief 640 advised that a crew was available at the station. County dispatch subsequently added them to the call.

Prior to crews beginning extrication, Penelec crews were already working in the area and responded immediately. They used voltage detection equipment to ensure the power lines were de-energized before rescue crews made contact with the vehicle.

Once the scene was deemed safe, crews stabilized the vehicle using a Junkyard Dog Rescue Strut to prevent any uncontrolled movement during the operation. They initially removed the windshield in an attempt to access and extricate the patient, but this method proved insufficient. Crews then used two Holmatro rescue cutters, one from Engine 643 and another from Rescue 544, to cut the roof, allowing it to be pried down and create sufficient space for access.

The patient was successfully extricated approximately 30 minutes after the initial dispatch. West County Paramedics transported one individual from the scene. Fairview Fire and Rescue assisted with fire police on scene. A vehicle recovery technician from Eagle Towing was on scene to perform the recovery.