This morning at 3:52am, Nancy Run Fire Company and Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to Route 33 southbound in the area of mile marker 3.8 for an accident with entrapment. Rescue Engine 1413 and Heavy Rescue 1741 made the response. While en route, Paramedics from BTVFC arrived on location advising of three patients heavily trapped. The Rescue Engine arrived on location and immediately stabilIzed the vehicle and placed the AMKUS Rescue Systems battery tools in service to work on extricating the driver. The Heavy Rescue company worked on extricating the rear passenger.

Crews performed all 3 extrications as prioritized by patient category as determined by the EMS officer. All 3 patients were extricated within 17 minutes of the companies arriving.

Thank you to Hecktown Volunteer Fire Co. #1 and Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company, Northampton County PA, for your assistance with traffic control.

As most reading this post are aware, there has been a rise in responders being struck by vehicles while operating on highways. During this incident we had 2 vehicles shut down Route 33 South at 22, and 3 shut down 22 East at the 33 South ramp. However, we still encountered many motorists who drove around the emergency vehicles, signage, thru the grass or were driving at high rates of speed before being stopped by State Troopers or fire personnel. If you see a fire truck, ambulance, police car, etc., PULL OVER. If they are blocking the road, STOP. This is a safety measure we take to ensure all crews operating can go home at the end of the call.