Utility Worker Trapped in Water-filled Trench

(New Market, MD, September 24, 2013) – Frederick County Fire/Rescue and Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to Eaglehead Drive between North Shore Way and Whistling Swan Way in Lake Linganore for a trench rescue at 3:09 p.m. First arriving fire and rescue units located one adult male trapped in a trench with rapidly running water, from a twelve inch water main, up to his neck and rising. Initial rescue efforts focused on maintaining the victim’s airway and working to shut down the water main. With the water turned off, rescuers were able to determine that he was conscious, alert and trapped in mud and construction debris up to his waist. Technical Rescue Teams from Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard counties began work on an extrication effort that would last three hours. The patient was successfully extricated at 6:15 p.m. and flown by Maryland State Police Aviation to the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services told responders in the on-scene critique (hot wash) immediately following the incident, “I am extremely proud of the response today that led to a successful outcome with the victim rescued. I want to thank all of the responding agencies from Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard counties. This was a job well done!” A total of 65 personnel responded to the scene on 38 units. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health remained on the scene investigating. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.