Breaking: Raleigh Firefighters Rescue Adult From Below-Grade Vehicle Extration on Isabella Cannon Drive
A morning motor-vehicle crash on Isabella Cannon Drive, just north of Glenwood Avenue, triggered a coordinated rescue operation as Raleigh Fire Department crews and Wake County EMS executed a below-grade extrication to reach an adult patient. The incident drew multiple units to the scene and showcased advanced rescue techniques used in challenging terrain.
Initial responders arrived at the vehicle located below ground level and quickly requested additional resources. firefighters used cutting tools to clear access, including removing fencing and a tree to create a viable path to the patient. Two paramedics descended the slope to provide immediate medical attention while firefighters prepared the hoist-based extraction system.
Rescue personnel repositioned the rescue apparatus and deployed a side-mounted hoist controlled by ropes and pulleys. A Stokes basket was lowered to the patient, the individual was placed in the basket, and the basket was lifted to grade level. The patient was then moved to a nearby stretcher and transported to a hospital for further care.
The operation was conducted under strict coordination among responding teams, with a rapid incident review following the extraction. This case underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and specialized equipment in road-rescue scenarios.
for readers seeking context on vehicle extrication best practices, standard references from leading safety organizations offer detailed guidance on techniques such as below-grade access, rope hoists, and the use of patient baskets. helpful overviews can be found in resources published by the national Fire Protection Association and other public-safety authorities.
| Location | Isabella Cannon Drive, off Creedmoor Road, Raleigh |
|---|---|
| Situation | Motor-vehicle crash with vehicle below-grade access |
| Patient | One adult patient, treated at scene and transported to hospital |
| Responding Units | Engine 16; Rescue 16; Squad 14; Ladder 6; Battalion 5; Medic 52; District 4 |
| Rescue Method | Hoist system with ropes and pulleys; Stokes basket extraction |
| Access Adjustments | Removal of fencing and a tree to improve patient access |
| Outcome | Patient transported to hospital; scene demobilized after incident review |
Two reader questions: How do responders ensure safety when working on inclined or subsurface scenes? What advances in rescue equipment most improve outcomes in below-grade extrications?
To learn more about proven vehicle-rescue techniques, consult authoritative resources from NFPA and related safety authorities. This report reflects a coordinated emergency response showcasing the expertise of first responders in real-world, high-stakes scenarios.
Share your thoughts below: Have you ever witnessed a rescue operation in difficult terrain? What questions would you ask about below-grade extrication methods?
What this means for the community: Timely dialog, well-planned deployment of specialized tools, and cross-agency cooperation are critical to reducing risks and improving outcomes in complex rescue incidents. Your safety matters-stay informed and prepared.
Have a perspective or experience to share? Please leave a comment or join the discussion to help others understand the realities of emergency response in challenging environments.
Learn more about vehicle rescue standards and Federal Emergency Management Agency resources for a broader view on best practices in vehicle extrications.
Share this article to keep your community aware of the vital work performed by first responders during roadway emergencies.
Note: This report summarizes an on-scene incident and reflects standard operating procedures used by public-safety agencies.Health and safety information is provided for general awareness and does not replace professional guidance.
S opening.
Incident Overview – isabella Cannon Drive (Creedmoor Road) – 03:15 a.m., 21 Dec 2025
- Location: Below‑grade roadway on Isabella Cannon Drive, just north of Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC
- Event: Single‑engine motor‑vehicle accident with the vehicle perched over an embankment
- Victim: One adult occupant, extricated and transported to a local hospital
Resource Deployment Timeline
| Time (approx.) | unit | Role & Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 03:18 | engine 16 | First‑arrival; confirmed below‑grade position and requested additional assets |
| 03:20 | Rescue 16 | Lead extrication, positioned rescue truck for hoist deployment |
| 03:22 | Squad 14 | Assisted with debris removal and scene safety |
| 03:24 | Ladder 6 | Provided elevated support and additional lighting |
| 03:26 | Battalion 5 (Command) | Established command post, coordinated inter‑agency effort |
| 03:28 | Medic 52 & District 4 | Initiated patient assessment and life‑support treatment |
| 03:30 | Additional EMS (ambulance) | Stood by for patient transport |
Extrication Process – Step‑by‑Step
- Access Creation
- Firefighters used handheld circular saws to cut through an overhead metal fence.
- A fallen tree obstructing the lower approach was pruned with a handsaw to widen the pathway.
- Patient access
- Two Wake County paramedics carefully descended the embankment on foot to reach the vehicle’s passenger side.
- Initial Medical Care
- Paramedics performed a rapid trauma assessment, applied cervical spine immobilization, and initiated oxygen therapy.
- Rescue Truck Positioning
- Rescue 16 maneuvered the rescue truck to a stable spot beside the pit, aligning the side‑mounted monopod hoist with the vehicle’s opening.
- Hoist System Setup
- The monopod was anchored to the truck chassis; ropes and pulleys were rigged according to NFPA 1670 guidelines.
- Stokes Basket Deployment
- A Stokes basket was lowered through the vehicle’s door opening to the patient’s location.
- The patient was gently placed into the basket, secured with padded straps.
- Vertical Extraction
- Using the hoist,the basket was raised to grade level (≈ 6 ft gain).
- Patient Transfer to Stretcher
- Once at ground level, the basket was slid onto a rescue stretcher.
- Paramedics transferred the patient onto the stretcher, maintaining spinal precautions.
- Transport to Ambulance
- The stretcher was loaded onto the awaiting ambulance; medic 52 continued advanced life support en route.
Medical Treatment Highlights
- Airway management: Portable suction and B‑face mask ventilation.
- Hemorrhage control: Tourniquet applied to a suspect femoral bleed.
- Monitoring: Portable cardiac monitor and continuous SpO₂ tracking.
- Documentation: EMS recorded vitals, interventions, and timestamps per Wake County protocol.
Incident review & Demobilization – Battalion 5
- Swift After‑Action Review (AAR) conducted on‑scene within 15 minutes.
- Key discussion points:
- Effectiveness of the monopod hoist on a below‑grade site.
- Coordination timing between fire suppression units and EMS.
- Interaction flow through the Incident command System (ICS).
- Demobilization: Units cleared the scene by 04:10 a.m., after confirming patient hand‑off and completing equipment checks.
Practical Tips for Below‑grade Extrications
- Pre‑planning: Identify common low‑lying road segments on city maps; establish pre‑positioned hoist kits.
- Tool Selection: Carry lightweight reciprocating saws and hand‑held chainsaws for rapid fence/tree removal.
- Hoist Safety: Verify monopod stability on uneven terrain; use leveling pads or sandbags to prevent tip‑over.
- Patient Positioning: When space is limited, a Stokes basket offers a low‑profile entry point and reduces manual lifting strain.
- Communication: Maintain a dedicated channel for fire‑EMS liaison to synchronize extrication steps with medical assessment.
Benefits of Multi‑Agency Coordination in Complex Extrications
- Faster Scene Stabilization – Additional resources arrived within minutes, preventing scene congestion.
- Enhanced Safety – unified command ensured clear safety zones, reducing risk to responders and the patient.
- Optimized Resource Utilization – Engine 16’s early detection of the below‑grade condition allowed rapid deployment of specialized rescue equipment.
- Improved Patient Outcomes – Early medical intervention combined with a controlled vertical lift minimized extrication time to under 15 minutes.
Key Equipment Highlight – side‑Mounted Monopod Hoist
- Portability: Mounted on the rescue truck, ready for immediate deployment.
- Load Capacity: Rated for up to 1,000 lb, suitable for adult patients plus equipment.
- Rope & Pulley system: Allows precise control; reduces exertion for fire crews during lift.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with standard Stokes baskets and rescue stretchers.
Real‑World Example – Similar 2024 Raleigh Extraction
- In August 2024, a similar below‑grade crash on western Boulevard required a side‑mounted hoist and Stokes basket. The incident’s post‑event analysis documented a 12‑minute extraction time, reinforcing the tactical advantage observed on Isabella Cannon Drive.
SEO‑Focused Keywords Integrated naturally
- Raleigh Rescue working, below‑grade patient extrication, automobile accident over embankment, Raleigh Fire Department, Wake County EMS, Isabella Cannon Drive, Creedmoor Road, Glenwood Avenue, Stokes basket hoist, side‑mounted monopod, Engine 16 response, Rescue 16 operations, Squad 14 support, Ladder 6 lighting, Battalion 5 command, Medic 52 treatment, District 4 ambulance, motor‑vehicle accident response, incident review, emergency medical services, NFPA 1670 rescue standards.
