EMS captain’s SUV hits 2 Va. firefighters

Firefighters were attempting to help a cyclist who had been hit by a car

February 24, 2010 03:47 AM

Editor’s note: This story highlights the need to be continuously aware of your surroundings, especially on street level calls. Many of our injuries come from these types of events. In many cases, because of the vehicles and speeds often involved, the outcomes can be tragic. I’m sure that there were many causes for this particular event; it’s rarely one factor or another. It would be great to have a way to review these events and pick up the lessons learned from the crew; Web sites such as Firefighterclosecalls.com and EMSclosecalls.com can provide clearinghouses of safety information that come in the form of stories. You can never be safe enough; there are inherent dangers in our job. Being aware and being trained are two of the best tools in mitigating those dangers.

Art Hsieh, EMS1 Editorial Advisor

STATter911

VIRGINIA COUNTY, Va. — Two Fairfax County firefighters were struck by an SUV driven by an EMS supervisor Tuesday evening as they attempted to help a cyclist who had been hit by a car.

The injuries are not life threatening.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department spokesman Dan Schmidt says a captain responding to the crash as EMS 401 was behind the wheel of the SUV.

Engine 404 and Medic 404 from Herndon were already on the scene.

The EMS 401 vehicle was described as moving slowly through the area when the collision occurred.

The incident took place near the intersection of Wiehle Avenue and Dranesville Road just before 8:00 PM.

The cyclist and one of the firefighters were flown by helicopter to Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The other firefighter was taken by ground to Reston Hospital Center.

Both firefighters have been treated and released.

No word on the cyclist.

Safety