(November 20, 2006) -- While LB slept, twenty LB firefighetrs applied their specialized training and equipment -- and two sets of the Jaws of Life -- to preserve the life of a man trapped in this horrific wreck in the 5200 block of Atherton St. .

LBFD Photo: PIO/Firefighter Chris Milburn

LBFD arrived at about 1:30 a.m. and found a Toyota pick-up on its side with its driver, a man in his 30s, pinned inside by the roof the dashboard...and a power polce blocked access to him.

LBFD Photo: PIO/Firefighter Chris Milburn

LBFD's on-scene team included an engine company, two truck companies, a pararmedic unit...and LBFD's state of the art Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR)

From this mangled wreckage, LB firefighters extricated the man in fifty minutes. LBFD Paramedics treated and transported him to a hospital in critical condition; his condition is unknown as we post; the accident's cause is under investigation.

LBFD Photo: PIO/Firefighter Chris Milburn

PIO Milburn says what took place in this ELB neighborhood shows why LBFD took the steps necessary to incorporate its own Urban Search and Rescue team into the Department. When minutes can mean survival, LBFD has the specialized equipment and trained personnel on hand to perform complex extrications like this one.