Photos: Seymour (TN) Fire Photo
Story by Mike Watiker
Just after 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, the Seymour (TN) Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) was dispatched to a call reporting a large tree down on a single-family home.
A rescue assignment was immediately despatched to all available SVFD personnel. The Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad (KVERS) also responded two light rescue trucks (123/121)
Upon arrival, companies were notified by the homeowner that his wife was still inside the house, and was pinned by the tree in the living room.
A command post was immediately established and as firefighters began rescue efforts. Contact was immediately made with victim.
Additional resources were called in for support including KVERS heavy rescue (125) and specialized personnel with collapse training.
As the rescue team dug their way to the victim, she was found to be trapped by the roof and the tree as well.
Shortly after getting the tree stabilized, the victim was removed and transported to the University of Tennessee emergency department. She has multiple systems trauma, primarily to her lower extremeties.
The rescue effort was completed in a little more than an hour from the time of call.
Seymour Fire declared the structure a total loss as the home and foundation suffered major damage.
The Seymour Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization providing coverage from six stations located in three counties and covering 110 square miles of territory.
Mike Watiker is on Twitter @mwatiker. He is managing editor at Knoxville Metro Fire/Rescue News.
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