Units arrived to find a single vehicle that had overturned multiple times. There was a total of three (3) patients. One patient was pinned in the vehicle and found to be in cardiac arrest. This patient was declared deceased at the scene. It required the use of a hydraulic rescue tool to remove this patient. The second patient had been ejected from the vehicle and was lying nearby. The third patient self-extricated from the vehicle.

Upon our arrival, both patients outside the vehicle were receiving emergency care by deputies with the Kent County Sheriffs Office. Fire and EMS personnel then assumed the mantle of patient care for these patients. Working quickly, both patients were packaged for transport. Because of the cold air, both patients were transferred to the warm environment of an ambulance. Both of these patients were subsequently airlifted to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore by Maryland State Police Aviation. The condition of these patients is not known.

We remained at the scene, to provide lighting, while the Maryland State Police Accident Reconstruction Team investigated. Because of the incident nature, Maryland 291 was closed and remained so for the duration. When we cleared, the roadway was still closed. The scene was turned over to the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration. SHA was required due to the excessive amount of debris in the roadway. Additionally? Mud had been thrown onto the road surface. Clean-up was delayed because of the investigation. The frigid temperature had caused the mud to freeze to the pavement. It required mechanical equipment to remove the mud and large amount of debris.

We operated at this incident for approximately three (3) hours. Once back at the fire station, another 1-1/2 hours was needed for clean-up and decontamination. No emergency personnel were injured as a result of this incident.

The officers and members of the Chestertown VFC expresses their thoughts & prayers to the family and friends of the deceased. Anytime a life is lost, it's hard. Given the time of year, the holidays, it is especially difficult!

Organizations operating at this incident:

Chestertown VFC
Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad
Kennedyville VFC
Crumpton VFC
Kent County EMS
Maryland State Police
Kent County Sheriffs Office
Maryland State Highway Administration