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I learned something today! Always expect the unexpected. You would think that after 45 years plus in public safety I should know that but, I would have never thought that ice would contribute to a serious MVA on a sunny day, with dry roads and temperatures in the 50’s. But that is what happened outside of Clear Spring.

At 11:30 on February 1, 2009 Washington County Engine 41 and Rescue Squad 4 in Clear Spring along with Medics 49-1, 49-2 (also in Clear Spring) along with a second Rescue Squad from Co. 13 in Maugansville and MSP Trooper 3 were dispatched to the 14100 block of Saint Paul Road for a rollover with entrapment.

Arriving units found a late model Jeep on its top with a single occupant trapped inside. The vehicle was quickly stabilized and extrication started while the patient was being treated. After extrication was completed, the patient was packaged and placed in Medic 49-2 for additional evaluation and treatment while Trooper 3 made its approach. The female patient was transferred to the Medivac and flown to the Washington County Shock Trauma Center as a priority 2 category 2 patient.

In speaking with authorities and witnesses, I learned that the vehicle was parked on the icy shoulder and when attempting to drive off, the vehicle began spinning its wheels. The operator apparently accelerated and as the vehicle reached dry pavement, it shot forward, crossed the road, struck a large tree and flipped over.