CUMBERLAND – On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Cumberland Police, Fire, and EMS personnel responded to the Cumberland Quarry, 6 Manville Hill Road, for a reported overturned 18-wheel dump truck with the operator trapped inside.
Due to the size of the vehicle and complexity of the entrapment, a full Cumberland first alarm assignment was requested, according to Fire Chief Nicholas Anderson. Lincoln Squad 2 was requested for heavy rescue assistance, along with additional specialized extrication equipment from the Woonsocket Fire Department.
The overturned truck was leaking diesel fuel and engine oil, requiring crews to address the hazardous materials concerns while simultaneously developing an extrication plan, said the chief.
Cumberland firefighters gained access to the passenger compartment of the cab and worked around the trapped operator. Cumberland EMS personnel entered the cab and provided patient care and pain management throughout the prolonged extrication operation. Firefighters from Cumberland, Lincoln, and Woonsocket worked together using specialized heavy-rescue and extrication equipment to safely free the operator.
“This incident required all available Cumberland Fire resources for a prolonged period of time,” said Anderson.
It’s been a busy few days for the CFD, which led the response to a deadly crash and fire on I-295 last week.
While Cumberland companies were committed to the Manville Hill Road incident, fire companies from Lincoln, Central Falls, and North Attleboro provided coverage for the Town of Cumberland, he added.
“During the incident, additional emergencies continued to occur throughout town. A Cumberland Fire Deputy Chief, Cumberland EMS with an Emergency Physician, and Lincoln Fire personnel responded to a cardiac arrest, while mutual aid companies continued to provide coverage and responded to other emergencies, including a separate call for an unresponsive person,” stated the chief’s message.
The incident, he emphasized, demonstrates the importance of a strong mutual aid system.
“Even while Cumberland’s fire resources were committed to a complex and prolonged rescue operation, emergency response throughout the remainder of the community continued without interruption,” he stated. “The Cumberland Fire Department would like to thank Cumberland EMS and Cumberland Police, along with the Lincoln, Woonsocket, Central Falls, and North Attleboro Fire Departments, for their professionalism, cooperation, and assistance throughout today’s operations.”
