Serious Accident with Extrication on Cantitoe Street
 
By Second Assistant Fire Chief Graham Glauber
October 9, 2021
 

Just before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 9th, Bedford Fire and EMS were dispatched to the area of 594 Cantitoe Street, between Long Meadow Road and Old Post Road for a head on accident with occupants trapped.

On arrival of Bedford PD and Car 2043, an Audi sedan and Range Rover SUV were located in the roadway with an obvious front end collision and major debris field. Both vehicles only had one occupant; the driver of the sedan was pinned inside the vehicle with multiple serious injuries.

Car 2043 requested a re-dispatch of the confirmed extrication, with Rescue 44 to be first due, and both of our ambulances to the scene. All three Westchester EMS paramedics in service also responded to the scene to assist. KBHVAC was put on standby in their quarters to cover all Bedford EMS calls during the event.

Tools were quickly put to work, removing the sedan's driver side door. After doing so, it was determined the dashboard would need to be rolled off the occupant to allow for extrication. A hydraulic ram (spreader) was utilized to open a space and allow for their removal. After about 20 minutes of work, the driver was removed and packaged. Both drivers were transported, one serious and one critical, to Westchester Medical Center by Ambulance 52-B1 and B2 with ALS on board.

The roadway was closed and traffic diverted for several hours while Bedford Police documented the scene. Upon completion, Bedford FD was recalled for vehicle fluid and debris clean up, and removal of traffic control devices.

The incident is still under investigation by Bedford Police.

 
Units: Car 2042, Car 2043, Rescue 44, Ambulance 52-B1, Ambulance 52-B2, Utility 140
 
Mutual Aid: WEMS, Bedford PD