Two North Carolina residents were injured, one critically, in a single-car, high speed MVC on I-95 near the 42 mile marker southbound, Tuesday morning 07-February at 03:48. The 1997 Nissan Pathfinder left the highway, drove down the right side embankment, and struck a large tree. The impact caused heavy damage to the small SUV trapping both occupants.

Colleton County (SC) Firefighter-Paramedics from Station # 13 arrived minutes later to find the passenger heavily entrapped with life threatening injuries. A second Fire-Rescue ambulance and rescue unit were requested. Crews used Holmatro rescue tools to extricate the occupants. Hydraulic spreaders, cutters, and two rams were used to remove the passenger side doors and displace the dash off of the patient. A second set of tools were used to remove the driver’s door to free the driver.

Both patients were treated during the extrication and removed with full spinal precautions. The male driver was transported to Colleton Medical Center by Medic 13. Medic 1 transported the adult female and performed advanced airway treatment enroute to the trauma center at Trident Medical in North Charleston. The patient suffered multiple traumatic and internal injuries. Neither patient was wearing a seatbelt. Two canines were also in the vehicle. One remained on the scene and did not appear to be injured. Colleton County Animal Control responded to the scene and took custody of the dog. The second animal fled the scene prior to Fire-Rescue arriving. A search of the area was performed, but the dog was not found. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 1, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 13, Battalion 1, Car 109, 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