Monday, May 24, 2010  By Lyda Longa

A few minutes after he turned 44, Port Orange Fire Lt. Joe Carrasquillo thought he was going to die.

Carrasquillo and his crew of firefighter/paramedics responded to a two-car crash at Dunlawton and Ridgewood avenues early Saturday. The call turned out to be a most memorable one for Carrasquillo, an experience he's never had in more than two decades working at the Port Orange Fire Department.

An accident victim threatened him with a handgun, authorities said.

"After 23 years of doing the same thing, I never expected anything like this," the lieutenant said Sunday. "At that moment my kids went through my mind and my wife went through my mind."

Donald Brooks, 62, was slumped over the steering wheel of a Jeep involved in the crash. Carrasquillo went to help Brooks, but instead was met with an angry, armed man who swiftly raised a handgun and tried to point it at the veteran firefighter.

But before that could happen, Carrasquillo dove into the driver's side of Brooks' Jeep and grabbed the muzzle of the .40-caliber Glock.

"He looked at me -- he started to bring the gun up," Carrasquillo said. "I lunged forward. Everything happened so fast. I needed to keep a grip on the muzzle and keep it from being pointed at me.

"Next thing I knew, one of the (police) officers was climbing over me. He Tasered him (Brooks), but he kept fighting. I was finally able to wrestle the gun out of his hands while the officer kept Tasering him."

According to a police report, Brooks had crashed into the rear of a white sedan at the intersection. After Carrasquillo determined that the person in the first car was all right, he approached the driver's side of Brook's Jeep. A woman who had witnessed the crash was standing by Brooks.

Suddenly, the woman began yelling, "Gun! Gun! Gun!" Carrasquillo said.

"You're going to have to kill me ... I'm not going to jail," Brooks reportedly stated.

A policeman headed toward Brooks' car as Carrasquillo wrestled with Brooks over the gun, the report states.

"I observed the tense, rapidly changing situation and I utilized my M26 Taser to stop the threat," Police Officer Theodore Kurtz wrote in his report.

But Brooks wasn't surrendering, even after Kurtz blasted him twice with the Taser. The combative suspect continued struggling with Carrasquillo, saying he was not giving up his gun, the report shows. When Kurtz shot a Taser probe into Brook's' chest though, Carrasquillo was able to grab the gun.

Fire Chief Thomas Weber said Carrasquillo saved the lives of his fire crew -- and Brooks.

"His actions probably prevented the suspect from getting shot and killed by police," Weber said Sunday.

Weber said firefighters are trained to anticipate hostile situations, but are told to back out if police are not present.

Brooks was charged with aggravated assault on a firefighter, improper display of a firearm, using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, and DUI. He was being held Sunday night at the Volusia County Branch Jail with bail set at $8,250.

As for Carrasquillo, he believes someone was watching out for him on this particular birthday.

"I came up with strength I never knew I had," he said. "It came out good for everyone -- nobody died."

Copyright © 2010 The Daytona Beach News-Journal
 

Friday, May 7, 2010  A 32-year-old city worker is dead after being overcome by fumes this morning while checking a sewer outside of a business on Yankee Road, according to police.

Meanwhile, two firefighters who attempted to rescue the public works employee were hospitalized after the accident about 8 a.m. today, May 7, in front of Air Products and Chemicals Inc., 2500 Yankee Road, according to police.

Jabin Lakes died after falling into a manhole during an inspection, according to Police Maj. Mark Hoffman.

Firefighters went into rescue Lakes and were overcome with something in the shaft, he said. It is not clear what the substance is, according to Hoffman.

Fire Marshal Bob Hess was taken to Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and Capt. Todd Wissemier was taken to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, according to Hoffman.

The manhole is estimated to be about 20 to 30 feet deep and 20 to 22 inches wide, Hoffman said.

Mayor Larry Mulligan could not discuss details of the incident but said the city will hold a press conference today at 2 p.m. in council chambers, One Donham Plaza.

A coroner’s investigator is at the scene as well as fire rescue units from West Chester Twp., Fairfield and Franklin. The deceased man is still in the hole at 9:55 a.m.

Shortly before 10 a.m., crews were performing air quality tests on the manhole, Hoffman said. He said there does not appear to be any hazard to the general public in the area. At 10:12 a.m., crews on scene were requesting a chemist from AK Steel be sent to the manhole.

Air Products officials were in a meeting regarding the incident and couldn’t be reached for comment. The Allentown, Pa.-based company provides oxygen to AK Steel’s Middletown Works.

Hoffman said Lakes and two other city workers were inspecting the sewer about 8 a.m. because Air Products was interested in tapping into a main line. When the manhole cover was opened, Lakes was overcome by fumes and fell into the hole, he said.

The workers called 911 and fire crews arrived shortly thereafter, Hoffman said.
 

 

Friday, January 29, 2010  While performing routine maintenance on one of our hydraulic extrication rams, once the ram hit full extension, a seal blew and shot hydraulic fluid out of a gap between the valve and the ram body into my eyes. This resulted in me having to go to the ER and get my eyes flushed for about 1 hour.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Wear safety glasses anytime you are operating or are around someone operating hydraulic tools. This activity is something that I have done numerous times without incident, but this time it could have been catastrophic

 

Monday, December 14, 2009  I wanted to share some pictures of the anatomy of the vehicle we cut on this past Saturday morning on I-66 that will hopefully serve as a quick reminder of why we have to do our job right every time we go out the bay doors.  Here are two pictures of the side-curtain air-bag system and one picture of where we cut the roof of this particular vehicle to gain access to the trapped patient.  I hope this will drive home why we must expose and remove all plastic prior to making any cuts.  Please notice how close our crew came to the canister with our cut with the Hilti recip saw as well as the Hurst MOC Cutters.  Obviously, the exact location of these canisters is different on every make and model vehicle on the road as you will notice just how far back from the edge of the roof line this particular canister sits.  Unit officers please ensure this "Rip then Strip" technique happens every time to prevent our personnel from making a Close Calls report or even worse.  This task can be time consuming so, an excellent time management technique is to have the unit officer remove the plastic and glass while the crew stabilizes the vehicle.  This is merely a suggestion and a quick reminder to everyone as to just how dangerous our job can be and how the citizens we serve expect the best from us at all times.  I thank you all for your attention to this matter.  Stay safe and stay low.

 
 

Saturday, December 12, 2009  On November 8, 2009 at about 0200 hrs we got a call to set up a LZ for a helicopter who was carrying a man who had been lost on a near by mountain. As we were setting up the LZ we heard the helo circle and then start to land before we were set up. The Chief and Assistant Chief were in the field setting out the lights for the LZ when the helo attempted to land and had to pull up until they had evacuated the field.

LESSONS LEARNED:

On November 8, 2009 at about 0200 hrs we got a call to set up a LZ for a helicopter who was carrying a man who had been lost on a near by mountain. As we were setting up the LZ we heard the helo circle and then start to land before we were set up. The Chief and Assistant Chief were in the field setting out the lights for the LZ when the helo attempted to land and had to pull up until they had evacuated the field.

 

Sunday, August 30, 2009  Our engine and ambulance arrived on scene of a single overturned vehicle and the female EMT was attending to the lone male patient. He said he was not injured and did not wish to be treated. A smell of alcohol was noticed. The Sheriff's office arrived and began a sobriety test. At this point a semi automatic handgun was removed from the occupant’s waist band under his shirt. He had a permit and was not cited for DUI. No further action was necessary and our services were no longer needed.
LESSONS LEARNED:
Even though we will certainly miss things for one reason or another, we must at least prepare for every possible scenario. The female EMT always kept her distance and never turned her back on the man. She waited for the engine crew followed shortly by the Sheriff's Office and then she proceeded to make contact.
 

Sunday, June 21, 2009  Our Rescue responded to a single vehicle MVA into a tree with multiple entrapments. While the Rescue is doing walk around car to check for hazards and injuries a FF stands on driver’s side of car and a loose tree branch swings and hits him in the back, driving him into the car. The 10 inch thick branch is removed by rescue and engine company FF’s and the FF was treated and removed to ER by EMS. Five hours later he is still being tested in the hospital for back, neck, and shoulder injuries. His turnout gear cushioned some of the blow and helmet save his head.

Lessons Learned: Obviously turnout gear is a must on all calls and we need to widen our safety check prior to beginning rescue evolutions.

 

Monday, May 25, 2009  On Saturday May 2, 2009 Milton Fire-Rescue, Milton Police, and Frisbie Memorial Hospital EMS responded to a 911 dispatch of a male, unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, the 40 year old male was found deceased in a basement bedroom of his home. Family members indicated that the deceased was experiencing “flu-like” symptoms prior to his collapse. Another resident in the home was also complaining of “flu-like” symptoms. Frisbie Hospital Paramedics immediately contacted their supervisor to request current medical protocol for H1N1 flu. While on the phone with their supervisor, the paramedics’ carbon monoxide meter alarmed. The level of carbon monoxide that was recorded was 800 parts per million (PPM). All occupants of the building were immediately evacuated, including all First Responders. Carbon monoxide oximetry was assessed on everyone who had been inside the building and all were positive for exposure. Two of the First Responders were positive despite having been in the building for a very short period of time. All occupants with elevated carbon monoxide levels were treated on scene and one was transported to Frisbie.

Lessons Learned: Single gas CO meters on EMS bags alerted crew to dangerous environment. CO is a danger we have to protect our responders from.

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2009  In an attempt to secure the battery of a vehicle involved in an MVA, we cut the positive cable. While moving the two ends of the cable away from each other the battery shorted out and exploded. This sprayed battery acid all over the upper body of my firefighter and the left side of myself. Acid got in his eyes and mouth and on the rest of his face, top of his head and arms. He even felt like he inhaled some of the mist. The cable was cut because we were unable to access either terminal to disconnect them.

Lessons Learned: There were a few that were learned and/or sternly reinforced: First, accurately assess the need to disconnect the battery in the first place. The patient had self extricated and we were merely securing the battery to prevent a potential problem. Second, wear full PPE including eye pro and helmet; regrettably, we did not. Third, always, always, always disconnect the negative first, and if you can't access it leave the battery alone!

 

Sunday, February 22, 2009  A firefighter was rushed to a local hospital Friday evening, after a car rolled off a tow truck and pinned him against a house.

The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue, in the South Norfolk section. Fire crews originally responded to a call for a car into a house at that location. The fire department told 13News that the driver of a white Audi lost control and slammed into the house.

As the car was loaded onto a tow truck, it broke loose and pinned the firefighter against the house. Crews rushed him to the hospital with minor injuries.

No one else suffered any injuries, and no one was home at the time. The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation.

 

Saturday, February 21, 2009  This accident occured in the City of Atlanta taken by Grady EMS Captain. Dr. Jeff Salomone (Grady Trauma Surgery) & Dr. Dan Wu (Grady Emergency Medicine, front of picture) on scene with Atlanta Fire Rescue and Grady EMS.

Pt underwent a long and careful extrication with surgical support/direction on site.  The driver was impaled in the neck.  The patient was sedated with ketamine during the lengthy extrication and transported to Grady.
 

Thursday, October 23, 2008 

As we have always been taught to do our 360 of an incident no matter what it may be. Walking around a building that is on fire, inspecting completely. Walking around the scene of a MVC etc... Always remember and be aware of all aspects, not just around and above the vehicles, but also below. The victims that were involved in the MVC last night of which we ran at the intersection of Brink Meyer and Hickory were very lucky! Sure the 360 revealed moderate damage to the vehicle with broken front axle and wheel, no obstructions above the vehicle, yet a very dangerous issue below. This vehicle had overtaken a KCP&L junction box where high voltage power lines are connected together below ground. While inspecting this from a distance with a flash light, law enforcement states it's OK, its only a grinder pump for the sewers. KCP&L were ordered, and the vehicle was off limits from that point forward until KCP&L gave the go ahead. KCP&L arrived disconnected power to the area which de-energized the box, the vehicle was removed and EVERYONE WENT HOME. My complements to my FAO for a keen eye of always being aware and bringing forward the concerning findings. This could have been a horrible incident, because there were 3 adults and a baby in this vehicle of which all exited the vehicle prior to our arrival. All 6 people could have been dead on the ground prior to our arrival, because KCP&L stated there were 7000 volts traveling through that box, and contact with any part inside would have energized the vehicles which was only missed by inches. BE SAFE, GO HOME!

Lessons Learned:

Always be aware of your surroundings both above your head and around your feet.

 

Tuesday, July 29, 2008  Courtesy of WOOD-TV

 

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- An ambulance and a police cruiser were damaged early Sunday morning in a strange series of drunk driving accidents.

A Kalamazoo County dispatcher told 24 Hour News 8 that the string of crashes began around 4 a.m. when an ambulance stopped near the intersection of Green Meadow and Drake Road to check the well-being of a driver who had lost control of his car and ended up in a ditch.

The 31-year-old Kalamazoo man driving that car was arrested for drunk driving, but while the ambulance was stopped, it was struck head-on by another drunk driver.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's department officials said that driver is an unidentified woman who was driving a black Honda Accord or Civic.

She hit the ambulance so hard that a large portion of her car was torn off. The woman fled the scene and hit the ambulance several more times in the process. Police say they suspect she was severely intoxicated.

County sheriffs responded to the car hitting the ambulance to investigate, but shortly after they arrived, just before 6 a.m., a third drunk driver in the area hit a police cruiser, disabling the vehicle.

That driver, a 26-year-old Hopkins man, tried to run from officers, but was caught after a pursuit. He was charged with drunk driving and fleeing and eluding police officers.

County dispatchers said the cruiser is not drivable.

Law enforcement officials are still looking for the female driver of the black Honda Civic or Accord that hit the ambulance. The car has substantial damage to the front end.

If you have any information about the driver, you are asked to call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department or Silent Observer.

Republished with permission of WOOD-TV.



 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 

On 7-18-2008 @ 0051 hrs. (Inc. # 8170202) R28 responded to a 28 YOF CX/SOB, VERY 408. Upon arrival R28 was met by a black gentleman who waved for us to follow him to the front door of his home. While following him down the sidewalk towards the front door, I asked him what is going on and how can we help, he responded by pointing to the upstairs and making no verbal communication, I thought he might be mute or deaf, or both. Upon entering the home and making a left turn to proceed upstairs I could smell alcohol reeking from the gentleman. About halfway up the stairs he shouted out to someone, “baby I have help coming." R28 and AMR followed the gentleman down the hallway to the restroom where we found a middle aged woman assisting a 28 yo WFA sitting on the bathroom floor, short of breath wrapped in a sheet. I began my assessment by asking questions about what had brought this on, how long ago this began, were you eating anything, do you itch, do you have hives, etc…..all of the answers either came from the middle aged woman or the black gentleman. Approximately 5-7 minutes into the assessment the black gentleman who was standing outside of the bathroom with the other female, made a very loud banging noise and shouted, “I called for fucking help and all you want to do is bullshit." Jason Smith from AMR asked his partner (Alex Lozano) to calm down the man because we were making progress calming down our patient. As Alex was explaining to the gentleman what was going on, I heard the gentleman yell, "I am going to kill you mother fuckers"………then repeated himself 3 times. I felt since I was running the call and had been the medic talking with the patient that maybe I could help him understand that our patient was simply hyperventilating. I removed myself from the bathroom and began talking with the man, leaving our patient with Chris Cave and Jason Smith. While explaining the condition of our patient to him he walked past me screaming, " I am going to kill you mother fuckers." I followed him down the hallway trying to calm him. Once he entered the master bedroom I stopped and observed his actions while positioning myself behind the bedroom door. I observed him open the top nightstand drawer, reach in and pull out a handgun. His wife entered the room screaming for him to stop. He threw the gun back into the drawer and slammed the drawer shut. He then walked over to me very fast, bent his ® elbow up into my face and stated, "I can kill you with this," and proceeded to strike me in the face with his ® elbow. At this point I began to protect myself by trying to grab him but he slipped from my grip and ran towards the nightstand. This is when I chased him and began taking any and every action to keep him from getting his gun. During the altercation he had grabbed my throat and began choking, punching and scratching me, I then felt other people assisting me in taking him to the ground. Once on the ground we (R28/AMR) restrained him by holding him down until metro arrived. He continued to resist our efforts while yelling obscenities. I called dispatch on channel 6 to expedite metro because a man had pulled a gun and we were not code 4. R28 and AMR crews physically restrained him until metro's arrival. Upon metro’s arrival they handcuffed him and asked me were the gun was located. I told them it was in the nightstands top drawer. The officer opened the drawer and found a 9mm handgun with a full magazine and one round in the chamber. After the incident, R28 and AMR crews were asked by metro to fill out an incident report. In addition, Metro took pictures of my injuries for their records. Once I had calmed down I could feel that I had some injuries to my ® hand/wrist, abrasions to my neck, jaw pain, difficulty swallowing and (L) elbow edema. Battalion 6, 271 and Capt. Randy Bradshaw were notified via cell phone. I felt it was in my best interest to seek medical attention due to being choked. Battalion 6 was informed that I was going to UMC trauma for evaluation. R28 transported me to UMC. I was released back to full duty with abrasions and strains. I am very grateful this incident concluded with a positive outcome. I have also learned a very valuable lesson, always be prepared for anything anytime. 

LESSONS LEARNED:
Always make situational awareness and scene safety your priorty on the must mundane calls.

 

 

Thursday, June 26, 2008  An Engine Company responded to an elderly man suffering from a diabetic emergency. Upon arrival, the emergency crew found a man sitting in his recliner. After initial assessment of the patient, he was diagnosed to be hypoglycemia. When the crew approached the patient, there was no weapon or items that could be used for a weapon present in the room. Emergency personnel treated patient for approximately 5 minutes without any problems. When emergency personnel began the actual treatment process the patient reached into his recliner (cushion or side pocket) and pulled out a handgun. He began to waive the gun in the air and toward emergency personnel. The initial reactions were to quickly remove themselves from the scene to avoid being shot. After all emergency personnel were clear of the structure; a radio call was made to dispatch for Police to respond. The patient’s wife who was still in the house eventually removed the gun from the patient’s hand and brought it outside to show emergency personnel. The crew advised her to keep the gun and the Police Department was arriving to get the firearm and secure the patient so emergency personnel could reenter the scene. No persons were injured on the emergency scene including the patient. LESSONS LEARNED: • People can function differently with low blood sugar depending on the person. Doo not take for granite the person’s capability. This patient was able to remember where his defense weapon was and able to pull it out of the chair and point it at emergency personnel. • Constantly check scene for items that could become a weapon, and remove them from the patient(s) reach. • Know where you exit is at all times and keep the pathway clear to avoid delay in exiting the structure. • Gain as much about the patient medical history and current situation and compare the information to the patient’s normal status to get the “big picture”. • When determining scene safety and stabilization, remember the saying you learned “me, us, them” and attempt to apply it to the situation. Always look after yourself and your team’s safety and then comes the person(s) receiving care.