Necessity of fire department response to the scene of motor vehicle crashes

The purpose of this study was to identify how often fire department (FD) response to the scene of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) is necessary for rescue and fire suppression. A retrospective review of MVCs between January 1, 1997 and December 13, 2000 occurring in a suburban municipality (population 79,000, 13 FDs) was conducted. Data abstracted included the total number of reported MVCs, MVCs with personal injury (PIAC), MVCs to which the FD responded, MVCs requiring any extrication, MVCs requiring extensive extrication, and MVCs requiring fire suppression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 14,450 MVCs occurred during the study period. Two thousand ninety-five (14.5%) resulted in personal injury. The FD responded to 198 MVCs (9.5% of PIAC). Twenty-four (1.1% of PIAC) required simple door release. Fourteen (0.7% of PIAC) required more extensive extrication. No MVC required fire suppression. During this study period, specialized equipment and personnel were rarely needed for patient extrication from MVCs in this municipality. At no time was fire suppression required. Routine FD response to MVCs for purposes of extrication or fire suppression is not warranted in this emergency response system. A prospective study, including a cost analysis, should be undertaken to further clarify the role of FD response to MVCs.