Firefighters engaged in special extraction methods following a two-vehicle collision in Florence County on September 25. You can learn more about the crash, including road closures and traffic impacts, and get information about common extrication methods used by firefighters and traffic control.
The Wednesday Afternoon Crash
Limited details have been reported regarding an accident that took place in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina last Wednesday. On the afternoon of September 25, two vehicles collided in the 1300 block of Old Ebenezer Road near Florence.At around 1:15 p.m., Florence County Fire Rescue responded to the accident. At the scene, emergency crews discovered the two crashed vehicles, with one on its side.
Firefighters engaged in specialized extrication methods to free the driver from the overturned vehicle. The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was then taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. At this time, neither the freed driver’s condition nor further details about the crash have been reported.
No road closures were reported in relation to this accident, though news reports note that firefighters assisted with traffic control on the scene.
About Car Accident Extrication Methods
When car accidents happen, drivers and passengers are often left pinned inside vehicles with crushed or inaccessible exits. In these cases, emergency responders use life-saving extrication tactics to remove trapped passengers through alternative means. Common methods include using hydraulic power tools to cut into the car, using manual disassembly to take it apart, and lifting the vehicle to allow access.
The actual process that firefighters will use to extract passengers from crashed vehicles varies depending on the circumstances, but the general steps include:
- Size Up the Scene – Before taking any steps, emergency crews should assess the dangers present on the scene.
- Wear the Right Gear – Responders should be properly protected from crash scene hazards.
- Prepare the Scene – Responders should ensure they have the right extinguishers and other tools ready to use.
- Stabilize the Vehicle – Crews typically take steps to stabilize the vehicle during extractions.
- Disable the Vehicle – Electrical activity should be disabled.
- Watch for Vehicle Safety Features – Airbags can pose a real danger, and other safety features and batteries in modern vehicles should also be considered.
- Start Emergency Medical Treatment – If needed and possible, responders may take steps to stabilize the passenger’s health even before they are extracted.
- Watch for Extraction Hazards – When removing passengers, firefighters watch for broken glass and metal shards.
- Use Tool Safety – Extraction tools are incredibly powerful, and emergency responders need to take care to ensure no one is injured due to improper use.
In recent years, firefighters in South Carolina have undergone additional training to help them prepare for the new and unique dangers posed by conducting extraction efforts on electric vehicles. If you are involved in a crash in South Carolina, it’s important to do your best to stay calm and follow emergency crew directions.
Injured in a crash?
Crantford Meehan can review what happened and explain your options. The consultation is free, and you don't pay unless we win.