The Camden-Wyoming extends thier thoughts and prayers to the families of all those that perished in the helicoptor crash in lower Maryland.

From WBOC.com

 

 

09/28/2008 11:25 AM ET; Updated 3:37 PM ET

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. - A medical helicopter carrying victims of a traffic accident crashed in a suburban Washington park early Sunday after reporting bad weather, killing four of the five people aboard, authorities said.

It was the deadliest medevac helicopter accident in Maryland since the State Police began flying those missions nearly 40 years ago and the latest in a recent rise in the number of such rashes nationwide.

It was the eighth fatal medical helicopter crash in the last 12 months, bringing the total number of deaths to about 30 during that period, National Transportation Safety Board member Debbie Hersman said.

Crashes of medical aircraft have been increasing since the 1990s, in part because it is a booming business, fueled by the closing of emergency rooms in rural areas and an aging population, according to the National EMS Pilots Association.

However, the state-run program in Maryland does not charge for its services, and was known for its safety record. It has had just three other fatal helicopter crashes in four decades.

On Sunday, a veteran pilot, a flight paramedic, a county emergency medical technician and one of the traffic accident victims died in the crash, authorities said. An 18-year-old woman also injured in the traffic accident in Charles County survived the helicopter crash. She was in critical condition at a hospital.

"This is a devastating tragedy for the families of all the victims," State Police Superintendent Terrence Sheridan said.

It was foggy and rainy in the area about the time of the crash. The helicopter was headed on a roughly 25-mile trip from the traffic accident to the hospital when the crew radioed just before midnight Saturday that they wanted to land at their hangar at Andrews Air Force Base because of bad weather. Ambulances were sent to the base, which is about halfway between the traffic accident site and Prince George's county hospital, but the helicopter never arrived.

The medevac disappeared from radar and officials lost radio contact. Two hours later, a police  fficer found the wreckage on a trail in a wooded area of a local park. The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating.

The recent increase has triggered the safety board to hold a public hearing on the matter, Hersman said, though no date had been set. A federal investigation in 2006 found there were 55 accidents air ambulance accidents from 2002 to 2005, prompting the safety board to issue four recommendations, including higher standards for medical aircraft and more stringent decision-making in determining whether to fly in bad weather.

Crashes in Texas, Wisconsin and Arizona, where two medical helicopters were in a fiery collision in June, have underscored the dangers of the medical flights. Some have questioned whether it would be safer to transport patients by ground ambulance.

Dr. Bryan Bledsoe, an emergency medicine physician who teaches at the University of Nevada and has researched accident rates of medical helicopters, told The Associated Press in June that the flights benefit only a small subset of patients. He said then that helicopters aren't necessary for transporting most other patients and needlessly expose them to danger.

Killed in the crash Sunday were pilot Stephen Bunker, 59; flight paramedic Mickey Lippy, 34; emergency medical technician Tanya Mallard, 39; and 18-year-old Ashley Younger.

Bunker retired from the State Police after 26 years and had been a civilian pilot for the unit since 1989. Lippy had been with the State Police for four years. Younger and Jordan Wells, both of Charles County, were involved in the traffic accident.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command began medevac missions in 1970 and has since transported over 120,000 patients, according to the unit's Web site.

A recent state legislative audit faulted the police agency for failing to document maintenance needs and costs for its fleet of 12 twin-engine helicopters. Nine of them are more than 18 years old, including the second-oldest Trooper 2 that crashed Sunday.

The helicopter, purchased in 1989, had an inspection Wednesday, Sheridan said.

State Police have defended the helicopter command, and the audit noted the unit had an "impeccable" safety record. State Police have grounded all of their flights until the cause of the crash can be determined. Other states and private companies will cover Maryland in the meantime, Sheridan said.

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The Camden-Wyoming held a control burn on Willow Grove Road.  Crews from 41-0 and 41-4 utilized hand lines to control exposures.

 

Photos by John Wothers

 

The Camden-Wyoming Fire Company started Fire Prevention month off at the Whatcoat pre-school. Past Chief Bill Seaman and Ambulance Captain John Wothers showed 60 kids ranging from 2 years old to 4 years old the engine and tools and went over basic fire prevention information.   Story and Photos by John Wothers

 

At 1101, the Camden-Wyoming Fire Company was dispatched for a working house fire with a subject trapped at 2217 South State Street. Engine 41-1 responded with 41-17 (Rigsby) at 1106. As the engine turned onto Camden-Wyoming Avenue, smoke was evident in the air and 41-17 requested a rescue assist from station 55 (Magnolia). 41-1 arrived on scene at 1109 with smoke and fire showing from a one and a half story wood frame construction commercial structure with residential units on the second division and 41-17 established South State Street command. The resident that was on the second division was evacuated from the structure by Delaware State Police who threw a ground ladder found on the ground and the resident climbed down. The crew from 41-1 advanced a 1 ¾ line into the front door and started attacking the fire. At 1120 command requested and engine assist which brought station 46 (Dover) into the scene. Crews made a quick knock down of the fire and started to overhaul. Command placed the situation under control at 1206 with all units working. The last 41 unit cleared the scene at 1343 with the Fire Marshal remaining on scene. The resident was transported to Kent General for evaluation and one firefighter was transport to Kent General for a heat related emergency. Engine 48-3 (Felton) provided the stand by at station 41.   Units on scene-Engines 41-1, 41-3, 46-3, 46-6, Rescue 55-1, Brush 41-0 and 55-0, Ambulances A55 and A63, Medics KM5 and KM9, fire marshal FM19, DSP, DSFP. Story by John Wothers

Photos by James Queen

On Saturday September 13th, companies throughout Delaware joined in Dover to participate in the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association 88th annual convention parade to wrap up a week off training and meetings.  The CWFC members spent many long hours on cleaning the apparatus to make sure we looked our best for the public.  Camden-Wyoming was represented by ambulance B41, engines 41-1 and 41-3, and rescue 41-6.  All the hard work paid off when the company brought home a trophy for fourth best appearing ambulance in the state of Delaware.  This was a great reward for all the hours that was put in for preparation.  Congratulations to the members and we look forward to bringing home more trophies next year.

 

Story by John Wothers

Photos by John Wothers and April Dukes

 

 

At 2027, 41-16 (Neese) advised Kent Center that he was investigating a possible control burn in the area of Allaband Mill Road west of town. As he searched the area, there was a large glow and smoke emitting into the sky. At 2039 41-16 advised Kent Center to dispatch Station 41 for a field fire in the same area. At 2044, Brush 41-0 went responding under the command of EMS Captain John Wothers and was advised by 41-16 to respond to the Papen Farm off of Wyoming Mill road to make access to the fire. Once on the Papen Farm, 41-0 had to go through two fields and a small section of woods to access the fire. They arrived at 2051 and reported a fifty by twenty area of rubbish involved and passed command to 41-16 that was arriving just behind them. The crew from 41-0 started to knock down the fire and ran out of water just as Engine 41-4 was pulling up to the fire. The crew from 41-4 deployed a booster line and one 1 ¾ line to continue where 41-0 had stopped. Engine 41-1 was advised to stage at the maintenance shop on the farm property. 41-0 returned to 41-1 to fill up and take their manpower back to the scene. Crews from all three units performed extensive overhaul work and soaked the remainder of the pile. Command placed the situation under control at 2136 with all 41 units clear at 2233.   Units on scene- 41-16, Brush 41-0, Engines 41-1, 41-4, Ambulance A41, FM 13, FM 28, DSFP.   Story by John Wothers Photos by John Wothers and Robin Andino

Matt and Heather Cobb would like to announce the newest addition to their family. On September 5th, at 1410 hours, Peyton Sarah Cobb was born. Peyton was born at 7 lb 12 oz and 19 3/4 inches. Matt is a former assistant chief and active member of the department. The members of the Camden-Wyoming fire company would like to congratulate Matt and Heather on the arrival of Peyton Sarah Cobb.

 

At 1407, Station 55 (Magnolia) was dispatched for a MVC with a rollover at Banning Road and Briarbush Road. Station 41 (Camden-Wyoming) was also dispatched for a rescue and ambulance to assist. Engine 55-4 arrived on scene at 1415 and found a single vehicle that had overturned numerous times and a single patient who had self extricated himself. Firefighter Conrad established command. A55 and KM7 initiated patient care and packaged the patient for transport to Kent General. Rescue 41-6 arrived on scene and was advised to hold their manpower at 1419. Ground ALS advised command that the aviation unit would not be needed and could cancel. Command declared the scene under control at 1424 and all 41 units cleared the call at 1433. Fire police remained on scene to assist DSP with traffic control.   Units on scene-Engine 55-4, Rescues 55-1, 41-6, Ambulances A55, B41, ALS KM7, KM5, DSP, DSFP.   Story by John Wothers Photos by Jim Harrison

At 2211 hours Station 41 was alerted for a car fire in the area of Upper King Rd and Lochmeath Way.  Kent Center advised the car had been involved in an MVC with no injuries reported and that the car was possibly on fire. Fire Police went on scene shortly after dispatch and reported a single vehicle fully involved with the correct address being Upper King Rd in front of Nellie Stokes Elementary School.  Rescue 41-6 went responding at 2219 and arrived on scene just two minutes later, confirming the report.  The crew from 41-6 made a quick knockdown and checked the vehicle for any other possible occupants.  The scene was placed under control with 41-3 and 41-6 returning at 2245.  Fire Police remained on scene for traffic control and to help a fellow firefighter change a flat tire he received by traveling through debris from the MVC.  Ambulance B41 ended up transporting a passenger of the vehicle to Kent General for an arm injury.  All 41 units went in quarters at 2248.

Units on scene: 41-6, 41-3, B41, Fire Police and DSP                                               

Story and Photos by Robin Andino

 

 

At 1443 this afternoon, Kent Center alerted station 41 for a woods fire in the area of 1057 Honeysuckle Road. Brush 41-0 arrived on scene at 1457 and 41-15 (Scott Jr.) established command. Command immediately requested a second alarm and an assist from station 56 (Marydel). Command requested the state fire marshal and state forestry division to respond at 1507 to investigate the fire. Command placed the situation under control at 1517 and cancelled the forestry division. Crews would remain on scene until 1600 mopping up the burnt area.   Units on scene- Brush 41-0, 56-0, Engines 41-4, 41-3, 56-4, Tankers 41-5, 56, FM13, FM 28, DSFP.   Story by John Wothers Photos by Robin Andino

At 1312, Station 41 along with medic KM7 and Trooper 4 were dispatched to a MVC involving a motorcycle in the area of 260 Dundee Road.  Ambulance A41 arrived on scene at 1320 to find a single motorcycle of the roadway with one patient. The crew from A41 immediately started patient care. Rescue 41-6 arrived on scene at 1322 and 41-19(Pippin) established Dundee Road command. The crew from A41 advised command that the aviation unit would be utilized and command had engine 41-3 respond to the Woodside church to set up a landing zone. A41 started transport to the landing zone with all medics on board. It was found that the Woodside Church parking lot was not large enough to accommodate Trooper 4 heavy and both A41 and 41-3 responded to Hobbs trucking on the south side of Woodside and set a landing zone their at 1332. Command advised the situation under control at 1342 with one patient airlifted to Christiana trauma center. All units cleared the scene at 1400 with fire police remaining on scene to assist the DSP Fair team with traffic control.   Units on scene-Rescue 41-6, Engine 41-3, Ambulance A41, Medic KM-7, KM-5, DSP aviation Trooper 4 Heavy, DSFP, DSP, DSP FAIR team, TMC   Story by John Wothers Photos by Robin Andino

At 0828 this morning, Station 51(Hartly) and Station 56 (Marydel) were dispatched to a working house fire at 252 Pine tree Road. At 0837 56-15(Madden) arrived on scene and found a single family dwelling fully involved. 51-15(Morris) assumed command upon his arrival, at 0848 command requested the two next due tanker companies to respond to the scene. That brought Station 41(Camden) and Caroline County Station 700(Goldsboro) to the scene. Engine 41-3 arrived on scene and their manpower assisted with overhaul and Tanker 41-5 staged on the roadway. All 41 units cleared the scene at 1101 and 51 and 56 units clearing shortly after.    Units on scene-51-3, 51-7, Tanker 51, 51-5, C51, 56-15, 56-1, 56-2, Tanker 56, 56-8, A56, 41-5, 41-3, 702, 704, FM19, DSFP   Story by John Wothers
Photos courtsey of Marydel VFC

At 1750, the Camden-Wyoming Fire Company was dispatched to the rear of Tractor Supply at 4089 S DuPont Highway for a rescue.  Ambulance B41 arrived on scene at 1756 followed by Rescue 41-6 a minute later.  Crews found a nine year old male stuck in a concrete drainage pipe under the asphalt.  The child was able to remove himself under his own power and was transported to KGH ER for an evaluation.  Command advised the situation was under control at 1801 and all units cleared at 1812.

Units on scene-Rescue 41-6, Ambulance B41, DSFP, Camden PD
Story by John Wothers
Photo by Robin Andino

Camden-Wyoming Fire Company was dispatched to a vehicle fire at W Lebanon Road and Blades Drive at 1338. Rescue 41-6 arrived on scene at 1344 with a single vehicle well involved. Chief Scott established Lebanon Road command. Engine 41-3 arrived on scene and assisted with fire suppression and overhaul. As units were clearing, Kent Center advised command of an automatic fire alarm sounding in a building at 4607 S DuPont Highway. All units responded and found that the alarm had been activated by inattentive cooking. All units cleared at 1421.   Units on both scenes-Rescue 41-6, Engine 41-3, Ambulance B41, DSFP, DSP   Story by John Wothers Photos by Robin Andino