‘Jaws of Life’ used after late night freeway rollover in Santa Barbara
A late night accident in Santa Barbara sends a driver and passenger to the hospital after their car crashes through a guard rail and rolls over into a ditch off Highway 101 at Hope Ave.
The California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara City Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara Police, and AMR were all on the scene.
This press released was released by Santa Barbara City fire:
SANTA BARBARA, CA – June 7, 2013
At 23:48 hours last night, crews from Santa Barbara City and County Fire Departments responded to a report of a vehicle rollover, Highway 101 northbound at the Hope Avenue Exit. Santa Barbara City Fire dispatched Engine 4, Engine 5. County Fire Engine 13, Truck 1 and BC 712. SBFD crews were assisted by CHP and SBPD.
Upon arrival of Engine 4 at 23:52, crews found a single vehicle (Ford Mustang) in the ditch adjacent to Calle Real and the northbound Hope Avenue onramp. According to witnesses, the vehicle had apparently been driving northbound when the driver lost control and struck the guardrail causing the vehicle to roll over coming to rest in the dirt.
Initial findings included the vehicle on its top with the driver out of the vehicle with apparent minor injuries. The passenger of the vehicle was partially ejected and trapped/pinned in the vehicle. This patient appeared to be critically injured. Patient care was immediately initiated and continued during extrication.
Rescue crews utilized the “Jaws of Life” and additional heavy rescue equipment to remove the passenger from the vehicle.
Both passengers were transported by AMR ambulance company to Cottage Trauma Center.