9:10am–#FAIRFIELD CT– #Southport CT–October 10, 2013: At 9:10am on Thursdaymorning Fairfield’s Emergency Communication Center received an emergency call reporting that “four men were bringing a tub to the third floor when the stairwell collapsed to the basement” at 138 South Gate Lane in Southport. Fairfield Fire, Police and AMR units were dispatched to respond, with Engine 4 arriving on scene at 9:15 to confirm the initial report of four workers trapped in the basement of a building under construction. Under the direction of Lieutenant Justin Greenhaw Engine 4 took command and directed incoming Engine 1 and Ladders 1 and 2 to prepare for extrication.
Upon the arrival of Fairfield Fire Car 3 Assistant Chief Bisson who serves as Operations Chief for the Department assumed command, assigning Lt. Greenhaw to supervise the rigging of a tripod and rope system to assist in the removal of patients from the basement with a stokes basket. Lt. Bob Smith on Engine 1 arrived on scene by 9:17 and supervised Company 1 personnel in patient care and packaging, while Ladder 2 personnel assisted Company 4 in setting up the rigging and removal system.
“All four patients were transferred to awaiting AMR ambulances within 38 minutes of the initial call,” said Assistant Chief Bisson. “Fairfield Fire crews worked efficiently and effectively to manage patient care and packaging despite limited access and the hazards of hanging lumber and an iron tub that needed to be secured before initiating patient removal as quickly and safely as possible.” Two patients were transported to Bridgeport Hospital and the other two to Saint Vincent’s Medical Center with “serious but non-life threatening injuries”, according to Bisson.
Fire Chief Richard Felner and Deputy Chief Art Reid were on the scene and cleared after all patients were removed. “The guys did an outstanding job,” said Chief Felner, “they did exactly what they were supposed to do. This could have been much more serious, but I often say ‘training pays off’ and they proved it today.” Fairfield Fire Engine 4 was the last apparatus to clear the scene at 11:51am leaving Building Official Jim Gilleran and OSHA Safety and Occupational Health Specialist Paul Bernor on scene to investigate the accident.
