New Bedford, Freetown personnel transport 2 to trauma center after dirtbike collision

Multiple people were injured and transported to a local trauma center after a dirtbike collision.

According to EMS, on Saturday, at approximately 1:45 p.m., New Bedford Police Communication began receiving 911 calls reporting an accident involving dirtbikes in a wooded area behind 4525 Acushnet Ave. Initial reports by the callers indicated two individuals had been injured.

The first arriving Medic units relayed to incoming responders that the patients were approximately a half a mile into the wooded area. A quick decision was made, and a call was placed to Freetown Fire Department requesting their Utility Task Vehicle to respond for assistance with accessing and removing the patient. This request was able to be fulfilled due to a long-standing partnership and mutual aid agreement with the Town of Freetown and the City of New Bedford.

Due to a collaborative effort by New Bedford EMS, New Bedford Fire Department and City of New Bedford Police Department (Official) the first patient was removed from the area to an awaiting ambulance. With assistance from the Freetown Fire Department’s UTV, the second patient was removed from the woods a short time later. Both patients were transported to St Luke’s Hospital Trauma Center by New Bedford EMS ambulances.

“Everybody worked great together, was focused and willing to offer help” Stated EMS Lieutenant Jope, “The quick response from Freetown significantly helped in extricating the patient from the woods and getting him to the Hospital”.

EMS noted that New Bedford Fire and EMS both have UTV’s designed for situations such as this that are able to be rapidly dispatched. However, with this location being so far north in the City, the Freetown Fire Department was determined to be significantly closer and quicker to respond. This resulted in no delay of care or extrication from the area.