GREENPOND FIRE CALL RESULTS IN LIFE SAVING RESCUE EVENT

MULTI-AGENCY CO-OPERATION AT ITS BEST SAYS CHIEF HALL

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In a Monday press release, Chief Joseph Hall of the Greenpond Volunteer Fire and Rescue said his department was dispatched to a residence in Woodstock, Alabama on a house fire with a person still inside the home around 1:20 a.m. Sunday March 13.

Hall said the victim was handicapped and stuck inside while the building burned. In less than 10 minutes, the volunteer fire department entered the structure while the Woodstock Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency aided with fire suppression efforts.

The firefighters did not find anyone on their first search, which was hindered by flames, smoke and toxic gases, but found the victim inside upon their second effort to enter the burning structure.

The person was removed from the house in a semi-conscious state, Hall said, and crews on the scene immediately began first aid efforts until an ambulance was able to get the patient to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of his burns and smoke inhalation.

Hall said the victim was reportedly stabilized, conscious and alert Monday.

“We want to acknowledge the outstanding work of those who assisted in the rescue to save a life in our small town,” Hall wrote in the press release. “Our crews who work here at Green Pond Fire & Rescue have trained and prepared for these scenarios many times, but in all reality, this isn’t an everyday thing you do. Our personnel responded and did an outstanding job.”

Hall also thanked the Woodstock Police Department and ALEA for going above and beyond their responsibilities as law enforcement officers to aid the firefighters in getting to the victim before the situation worsened.

He also recognized AMServ EMS, the West Blocton Fire Department, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Bibb County E911 dispatchers for the roles they played in saving the victim’s life Sunday.