A 21-year-old male received multiple traumatic injuries in a single-car crash in the 5400 block of Sidneys Road north of Walterboro (SC) Thursday evening 25-August at 22:55. The northbound Chevrolet Trailblazer left the roadway in a curve at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, struck the ditch and overturned, striking several trees. A large tree impacted at the driver’s side “A” post, crushing the dash onto the patient’s legs, trapping him upside down in the car.

Colleton County Firefighter-Paramedics found the male conscious, but with multiple complaints. Crews began treating him inside the vehicle, while other firefighters began the process of extricating him from the wreckage. The vehicle was stabilized, prior to firefighters using Holmatro Rescue Tools to remove the driver’s door. Crews worked for another 30 minutes to displace the dash and free the patient’s legs. He was extricated with full spinal precautions, then transported emergent in Fire-Rescue Medic 19 to the trauma center at Trident Medical in Summerville. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 19, Medic 19, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo