A recent rash of serious motor vehicle accidents in the Whitesboro area have kept local first responders very busy. The increase in serious accidents proved challenging at times and required local organizations to work together to guarantee the best outcomes for the patients involved in the wrecks.
The Sept. 6 issue of the News-Record reported a double fatality accident in front of the middle school that required two medical helicopters and the support of the Whitesboro Fire Department (WFD) by several other agencies, including Collinsville Fire Department and Cooke County EMS.
Six days later, many of the same WFD personnel responded to another major accident involving two vehicles which rolled over multiple times resulting in the ejection of a total of three vehicle occupants. This accident required two medical helicopters and the third patient was taken to a nearby hospital by Whitesboro Fire ambulances.
Sadler Volunteer Fire Department played an important role in controlling traffic and making sure the scene was safe for EMS providers and the two helicopters which landed on Hwy. 82. Whitesboro Police Department and the Whitesboro Dispatchers on duty also contributed to the successful mitigation of the scene.
WFD EMS averages just over three accidents a week, and the last several weeks saw the number creep up slightly to about five accidents a week. While the number of accidents spikes periodically, what really stands out is the number of serious accidents in that stretch of time.
While challenged by the severity of the accidents, WFD was able to manage the severe scenes and effectively provide patient care to the victims. WFD utilizes overnight shifts of their volunteers to staff an engine, and in cases like these, the rapid response by firefighters assigned to these shifts contributed to saving lives.
In addition to the committed shifts, additional volunteers also responded to larger incidents and played pivotal roles in the extrication of victims and overall stabilization of the accident scenes.
The staffing of 9-1-1-only ambulances by WFD and maintaining of a reserve ambulance also played an important role in these severe accidents. Medic units were on scene within minutes and a reserve ambulance was placed in service due to the high patient counts.
While accidents like these are not very common, they are increasing in frequency. WFD wants to remind everyone to stay focused while driving and avoid distractions. When in a vehicle, be sure to wear seat belts and make sure children are riding in appropriate car seats.
