Firefighters were dispatched to a car accident on 83rd and Woodstock at 8:37 pm Saturday night. When they arrived they found 2 occupants still trapped inside one of the vehicles. Engine 11 (Lents) and Station 25 (Woodstock), which houses an engine and a truck, quickly formulated a plan of rescue, which involved pulling protection hose lines, stabilizing the vehicle, and gathering all the necessary equipment to extricate the victims safely.
Fire crews used the "Jaws of Life" , a rescue tool powered by a hydraulic pump. The Jaws of Life was first used in 1963 as a tool to free race car drivers from their vehicles after accidents. Both occupants were transported to the hospital by AMR.
Portland Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with Portland Police, would like to remind all that the wet weather brings slick roads. Be especially careful when driving this time of year and ALWAYS wear your seat belt.
Photos courtesy of Greg Muhr (PF&R)
Contact Info: Inspector Ron Rouse, Portland Fire & Rescue P.I.O., 503 940 6003