5 Critically Injured in Westwood Traffic Collision

On Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 11:23 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Greenup, as well as one CERT Coordinator, responded to a Traffic Collision with Entrapment at 2827 South Westwood Boulevard in West Los Angeles.

Firefighters responded to reports of a multi vehicle traffic accident. Upon arrival, Firefighters found 2 vehicles which had collided, resulting in the injury of 5 patients. Early reports indicated that possibly as many as three were trapped inside the vehicle. As Firefighters cordoned off a safe work area, other Firefighters initiated patient triage, treatment and prepared them for transport. Firefighters found 1 female, 60's, in very critical condition after being ejected from her vehicle. 1 male, 60's, was extricated from a vehicle in grave condition and was later declared deceased at the hospital. The remaining 3 critical patients were a male 18 months, a male, approximately 25 and a female, approximately 35. All patients were transported to area hospitals.

During the triaging of the incident, Firefighters found 3 small dogs who were also victims of the traffic incident. All 3 were transported to a local animal shelter for initial treatment, where one later died. The cause of the incident will be determined by the local investigating police agency.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies for Diana Igawa, acting PSO
Los Angeles Fire Department