Home > The Blotter > Archives > EMS category
EMS
August 30, 2009
Oak Hill accident sends one to hospital
UPDATE: All lanes of westbound Texas 71 are back open at this time.
The Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department are on the scene of an accident near the intersection of U.S. 290 and West William Cannon Drive near Oak Hill.
There was a vehicle rescue in which one person, who is unconscious with life-threatening injuries, has been transported to University Medical Center-Brackenridge, according to EMS Division Chief James Hawley.
All westbound lanes of U.S. 290 at Patton Ranch Road are closed.
No further details are available at this time.
August 24, 2009
Lady Bird Lake drowning victim identified
A man who drowned Friday while swimming in Lady Bird Lake near Lakeshore Boulevard was identified as Carmelo Leon Hernandez, 30, according to Austin police. The drowning was ruled an accident.
At about 1:45 p.m., witnesses saw two men swimming near Longhorn Dam who appeared to be in distress, and one eventually disappeared under the water.
Emergency crews recovered Hernandez within a few minutes and attempted to resuscitate him. He was reported dead about 2:30 p.m. at University Medical Center Brackenridge.
He was pulled from water about 15 feet deep by two firefighters and an EMS rescuer diving from a Fire Department boat, officials said.
The other person was evaluated and later arrested on public intoxication charges, Austin police spokeswoman Anna Sabana said.
July 29, 2009
Police: 2 year old drowned in Killeen
Update: Police have identified the boy who died Tuesday as Adonijah Zachary Paau
Killeen police say a 2-year-old boy died this evening after his siblings found him unconscious in a neighbor’s pool. The boy had crawled through a space left by a missing board in the fence between the two homes then entered the latched gate around the pool.
The child was pronounced deceased at 8:30 p.m., about an hour and a half after he was found in the 3800 block of Shellrock Drive, at Metroplex Hospital.
Approximate location:
View Larger Map
July 22, 2009
Swimmer dies after being pulled from Lady Bird Lake
UPDATE: The Austin-Travis County EMS reports that the swimmer who attempted to cross Lady Bird Lake near Interstate 35 has been pronounced dead. His identity has not been released.
EARLIER: Rescue workers recovered a swimmer this afternoon who attempted to cross Lady Bird Lake near Interstate 35 but disappeared under water. The swimmer was in cardiac arrest when he was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge, said Warren Hassinger, spokesman for the Austin-Travis County EMS.
The 25-year-old man had been under water for 16-20 minutes, EMS, Hassinger said. A friend who was with him said the man disappeared under the water after trying to cross to the other side, Hassinger said.
July 15, 2009
Man dies of apparent heat-related causes
A man died in an Austin hospital of apparent heat-related causes after emergency crews found him unconscious in a car Wednesday.
Around 4:30 p.m., emergency crews were alerted that a man was unresponsive inside a car in South Austin, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services officials said. Paramedics arrived at the scene, found the man in cardiac arrest and performed CPR, but he died at an Austin hospital around 5:40 p.m., EMS officials said. They did not release the man’s name or age.
The man had been working outdoors for the past few days, and his body temperature was 108 degrees when he died, officials said.
“The individual appears to have spent long hours over several days working outdoors without proper hydration” said EMS Assistant Director Frank Urias.
June 16, 2009
Two people rescued in boating accident
After searching for nearly an hour, county officials found a man and a woman whose boat had crashed on Lake Travis about 2:10 a.m.
Several witnesses called just before midnight to report a 22-foot boat that crashed into an island that was created by low water on the lake.
Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to the water rescue near Emerald Point Marina off Hiline Road. Officials said the small island was across from Carlos and Charlie’s restaurant.
An adult man who had back and ankle pain was transported by ambulance to University Medical Center Brackenridge, and a woman refused treatment, officials said.
It is unclear whether either was wearing a life jacket, said Krista Umscheid-Ramirez, a spokeswoman for the Lower Colorado River Authority, which is leading the investigation.
Other agencies that assisted in the rescue were Hudson Bend Fire Department, Austin Police Department Air One and the LCRA.
Lake Travis is 23 feet below its average elevation for June, said Bob Rose, a meteorologist with the LCRA. The lake is currently at 648.3 feet above sea level, Rose said.
Umscheid-Ramirez said boaters should use caution on the lake, especially at night.
“People need to go slower,” she said. “The water may not allow them to get through, and they could damage their boat, run aground or crash into something.”
June 5, 2009
City and County officials name new EMS director
City and county officials today named Dr. Paul Hinchey as the new medical director for the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Systems.
City Manager Marc Ott and Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe announced the hiring of Hinchey, who was the deputy medical director of Wake County EMS in Raleigh, N.C.
Hinchey fills the director’s vacancy created when Dr. Edward Racht left the position in November 2008.
Hinchey has also served as medical director of WakeMed Mobile Critical Care Air and Ground Services, WakeMed Emergency Services Institute Special Operations and WakeMed Health Hospitals. He was medical director of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Hinchey is board certified in emergency medicine and received a doctor of medicine degree and an MBA from the State University of New York-Buffalo in 2002.
May 10, 2009
EMS called to Hamilton Pool for near drowning
UPDATE: The patient has been evaluated and is refusing medical treatment, EMS officials said. Paramedics are leaving the scene.
EARLIER:The Austin-Travis County EMS are at Hamilton Pool, where a person was rescued in what officials called a near-drowning Sunday afternoon.
The patient was conscious and alert, according to reports.
March 27, 2009
One dead in morning wreck
A 33-year-old Austin man died in a wreck Friday morning on Loop 360 near Lost Creek Boulevard, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Brijesh Aghera was driving a 2008 Chevrolet south on Loop 360 at 6:23 a.m. when he lost control, skidded into an intersection and struck a utility pole, according to the DPS.
He died at the scene. The road was wet and there was fog when the wreck happened, according to the DPS.
March 23, 2009
Texas State officials identify man who drowned
A man who drowned Friday afternoon in the San Marcos River on the Texas State University campus has been identified as Tam Minh Tran, 24.
Witnesses said Tran was swimming in the river at Sewell Park when he disappeared from sight. Minutes later, an on-looker saw him on the bottom of the river in water 10- to 12-feet deep.
A campus employee entered the river and pulled Tran from the water, but efforts to revive Tran were unsuccessful. Tran was taken by EMS to Central Texas Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 4 p.m.
Tran was a junior majoring in mathematics with a minor in computer science. He was a resident of the Comanche Hills Apartments. He enrolled at Texas State in the fall 2008 semester after transferring from Galveston College. He was a graduate of Ball High School in Galveston.
March 20, 2009
Drowning reported in San Marcos
An unidentified young man was taken to Central Texas Medical Center, following reports of a drowning at Sewell Park on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, city and university officials said.
His condition is unknown.
February 28, 2009
2 injured after Luby's ceiling collapses
The ceiling above the serving area at Luby’s on East Oltorf Street collapsed around 1 p.m. sending two people to the hospital with minimal injuries, officials said.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
The incident happened while about three customers were inside the restaurant, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Warren Hassinger said. Initial reports from firefighters was that there were 20 people trapped inside. First responders said finally that all of the employees were able to get out safely.
One staff member was taken to University Medical Center at Brackenridge hospital with minimal injuries. Another person was taken to South Austin hospital with minimal injuries. Hassinger said that 37 people total were evaluated at the scene.
Luby’s managers said they were waiting for city code inspectors to evaluate the safety of the building for workers. Employees were sent home for the day after the incident.
Damage estimates were not immediately available.
February 20, 2009
Woman gets hand caught in dough roller at cookie factory
Austin Emergency Services are reporting that a woman suffered minor injuries when her hand got caught in a cookie dough roller at the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie factory in south Austin today.
The woman, who was not identified, was taken from the plant on East Stassney Lane to University Medical Center at Brackenridge for treatment.
January 19, 2009
Woman rescued from ravine
Emergency service personnel rescued a 53-year-old woman from a ravine on her property northwest of Austin this afternoon.
Injuries include an open ankle fracture, according to Warren Hassinger, spokesman for the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Her injuries were not life-threatening.
The rescue is near Leander:
January 5, 2009
Woman found near cliff at Mt. Bonnell committed suicide, police say
A 47-year-old woman who died Sunday afternoon after rescuers found her body near Mount Bonnell Park in West Austin committed suicide, Austin police spokeswoman Helena Putnam said.
The woman, whose name was not released, had been reported missing by her family about 24 hours earlier, said Austin Fire Department Assistant Chief George Blackmore. Her car was located at Mount Bonnell Park around 3 p.m., and firefighters began looking for her, Blackmore said. The woman’s body was located at the bottom of a cliff.
Rescuers began CPR and took her to University Medical Center at Brackenridge in critical condition, but she was later pronounced dead, Blackmore said. Her name was not released.
September 18, 2008
Ailing woman found near Longhorn Dam
A woman who was found with no heart rhythm this morning near Longhorn Dam in East Austin was taken to University Medical Center at Brackenridge. Officials said her condition was life-threatening.
An Austin Fire Department official on the scene said the woman was not breathing when she was found on the north bank of the Colorado River.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Warren Hassinger said it appears the woman was camping and had a medical emergency.
September 16, 2008
Man falls from top of parking garage
A man died this morning after falling from the top of a parking garage at a construction site just west of Austin, the Travis County Sheriff’s office said.
The construction worker, Omero Nelson Rivera, 48, of Austin, fell about 76 feet to the ground just before 10:30 a.m. at the site, 6300 Bee Caves Road, sheriff’s office spokesman Roger Wade said. He said the fall appears to have been an accident.
Rivera was taken to University Medical Center at Brackenridge, where he was pronounce dead, Wade said.
Wade said the incident is being investigated by the sheriff’s office and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Pets, people evacucated from vet clinic after 'bear deterrent' canister is punctured
From the Austin-Travis County EMS Public Information Office:
Local Veterinary Clinic Evacuates Employees and Pets When Bear Deterrent Canister Is Punctured
Seven clinic employees and fifteen family pets were evacuated this morning from Capital Veterinary Clinic at 4917 South Congress Avenue, after a 13.4 ounce canister of “bear deterrent” was punctured when it was accidentally knocked to the floor. Emergency communications personnel were notified at 8:33 a.m.
The aerosol product, Super Magnum Bear Spray, is a product of UDAP industries, www.udap.com/product.htm. The active ingredient is Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids, a byproduct of red chili peppers and the same ingredients found in many personal protective sprays. The deterrent products work by aerosolizing the active ingredients into particles small enough to be inhaled to cause respiratory distress. The products also cause irritation when they come in contact with the skin.
Paramedics Jon Wolfe and Kevin Harner arrived at 8:39 a.m., to find the seven clinic staff members already self-evacuated from the small clinic building and in the process of removing fifteen dogs and cats. The paramedics worked quickly to evaluate the clinic workers and to complete the evacuation process.
Two of the clinic employees were evaluated for respiratory distress, another five were monitored for a period of time. Paramedics cleared the scene at 9:35 a.m. after all of the clinic employees refused treatment.
August 17, 2008
Climber who fell from cliff taken to hospital
An adult male was transported to University Medical Center-Brackenridge Sunday afternoon after falling from a cliff near Barton Creek Mall in West Austin, said Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
The man’s injuries were not life-threatening, Hassinger said. The man, whose name was not released, had been climbing the cliff when he fell, and his friends called 911, Hassinger said.
It took rescuers only a few minutes to reach the group.
“It was not a difficult rescue at all,” Hassinger said.
August 15, 2008
Girl, 9, dies after apparent drowning
A 9-year-old who went into cardiac arrest after being underwater in Lakeway City Park has died, officials are reporting.
Paramedics transported the child, who has not been identified, to Dell Medical Children’s Center where she was pronounced dead, an EMS spokesman said.
The incident happened in the 500 block of Hurst Creek Road North. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Lakeway Police both responded to the scene just before noon.
Warren Hassinger, a spokesman with Austin/Travis County EMS, said the girl had been underwater for about 15 minutes before she was found. Lakeway police did not return calls for comment. The girl’s name was not released.
August 3, 2008
Teen in serious condition after falling from cliffs
A 16-year-old girl is in serious condition after falling from cliffs at Lake Travis Sunday evening, according to officials with Austin-Travis County EMS Department.
The teen was climbing up Kidds Cliffs on the 4200 Block of Pace Bend Drive when officials say she fell 25 to 30 feet on to rocks below.
The teen is apparently alert and conscious and is being transported by a STAR Flight helicopter to Brackenridge Hospital, said Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for the department. EMS officials have not released the teen’s name.
The area where the teen was climbing is a popular recreational spot, with both cliff climbing and cliff jumping, Hassinger said. But with little rain in the area this year, it’s become increasingly dangerous because lake levels have dropped and rocks are exposed, Hassinger said.
June 20, 2008
City of Blanco partially loses 9-1-1 service
The City of Blanco and some surrounding areas are without landline 9-1-1 service, officials reported.
Calls to the city’s 9-1-1 emergency center are being routed to the Blanco Police Department instead, said Shawn Barnes with the Capital Area Council of Governments. Emergency calls are still being taken, but operators won’t have the addresses of the callers, Barnes said.
Blanco police have increased their patrols in the area in case of an emergency.
Officials aren’t yet certain of the cause of the outage, Barnes said. Cell phone calls still go to the 9-1-1 center.
Affected customers can also call the Blanco Police Department directly at (830) 833-4525 or flag down emergency personnel.
June 16, 2008
Climber seriously injured at Reimers Ranch
A 22-year-old man remains in critical condition this morning after he fell more than 15 feet during an outing at Reimers Ranch Park in southwestern Travis County.
The man’s name has not been released.
Officials were called to the ranch, at 23610 Hamilton Pool Road, just before 9 p.m. Sunday, EMS spokesman Warren Hassinger said. When they arrived at 9:25 p.m., officials found the man with multiple fractures and a potentially critical head injury, he said.
The man was rescued from the floor of the canyon at around 10 p.m., when a flight rescuer at the end of an 80-foot cable attached to a STAR Flight helicopter lifted the man inside the helicopter. Officials with the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Hudson Bend Fire Department, Travis County Parks and STAR Flight helped rescue the man because of the complexity of the operation, Hassinger said.
The man was taken to the University Medical Center at Brackenridge at 10:27 p.m.
See a map of the park here: reimersranchpark.pdf
April 21, 2008
Woman's body found in Lake Travis
Officials are investigating the death of a 63-year-old woman whose body was found just off shore in Lake Travis this afternoon.
About 3:37 p.m., the woman’s body was found near 14813 Arrowhead Drive in Volente, Travis County Sheriff Office spokesman Roger Wade said.
He said the woman had last been seen about three hours before her body was found.
Wade said her death does not appear to be suspicious, and officials are awaiting a cause of death determination from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office.
April 3, 2008
Woman dies in Hays County collision
A woman died this morning in a two-vehicle collision just north of Buda, a Texas Department of Public Safety official said.
About 2:50 a.m., Miranda Michelle Martinez, 21, of Austin, was driving north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 and struck a southbound vehicle driven by Rebecca Ann Stuckey, 25 of Collinsville Texas, the official said.
Stuckey was taken to the University Medical Center at Brackenridge where she died, the official said. Martinez was also taken to Brackenridge in critical condition, the official said.
Both Stuckey and Martinez were wearing their seat belts, the official said.
Paramedics rescue man after 50-foot fall
Paramedics with the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services rescued a 33-year-old man who was seriously injured after he fell 50 feet from a Blanco County cliff.
The man, whose name was not released, fell from a cliff near Hamilton Pool Road and Old Spicewood Road at around 1:30 a.m., according to Warren Hassinger, an EMS spokesman. The man had multiple traumatic injuries, Hassinger said, but none of his injuries were considered life-threatening.
The man was taken to University Medical Center at Brackenridge at 3:30 a.m., Hassinger said.
March 30, 2008
UT biology building briefly evacuated
The Moffett Molecular Biology Building at the University of Texas was briefly evacuated Sunday evening after a student dropped a chemical beaker and fell ill.
The student, whose name was not released, spilled a small amount of acryloyl chloride while working a lab around 7 p.m., EMS officials said. Emergency crews evacuated the building after the student said she felt ill.
No one was injured, and the student was later released without serious problems. The building was turned back over to UT for cleanup around 9:15 p.m.
March 20, 2008
Sheriff's office: Missing camper likely fell off a cliff
Authorities said this afternoon that a 36-year-old Austin woman whose body was found in water near a northwest Travis County campground after she was reported missing on Wednesday night likely fell off a cliff.
Denise Morgan had been camping with her husband and son near Gracy Cove in Pace Bend Park, which is about 30 miles west of Austin on Lake Travis. She went to find a restroom and never returned, said Warren Hassinger, spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
Her husband reported her missing around 9:20 p.m., Hassinger said.
The 15-foot cliff was about 25 feet away from her camp site, Travis County sheriff’s office spokesman Roger Wade said.
“There are a lot of loose rocks,” near the cliff, Wade said. “It’s not something solid that you can run up and down. Even in the daylight, it’s kind of slippery.”
He said there was little light to guide her way.
“When she went walking after dark, she apparently lost her footing and fell,” he said.
Searchers found Morgan’s body in about 12 feet of water just offshore at 10:10 a.m., Wade said.
The family had been camping since before night fell, Wade said.
Wade said the fall appears to have been an accident.
February 24, 2008
Injuries in minivan-truck collision not serious
Paramedics today evaluated nine people involved in an accident on Interstate 35, including two children who were at first thought be critically injured, authorities said.
Authorities said the accident happened on Interstate 35 near East 11th Street and involved a minivan and a truck that apparently collided broadside.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services officials said two children were considered “trauma patients” with potentially life-threatening injures.
However, Austin Police Lt. Max Westbrook said the children were evaluated at Dell Children’s Medical Center and were found to not have serious injuries.
January 31, 2008
Woman dies after vehicle rolls into water-filled ditch
A woman in a vehicle that rolled into a water-filled ditch in Northeast Travis County died this evening, emergency officials said.
Officials said it was unclear how long the vehicle was in the ditch near 12200 Walton Hill Pass, northeast of Manor.
The woman died at the scene, officials said.
No other details were available Thursday night.
January 30, 2008
Boy collapses at charter school
A 7-year-old boy suffered a heart attack and collapsed at a North Austin charter school this afternoon, Austin police said.
Austin police spokeswoman Veneza Aguiñaga said the boy is in Dell Children’s Medical Center in critical condition. Police have not released the boy’s name.
Aguiñaga said officials at Not Your Ordinary School, a charter school at 1605 Kramer Lane, told police that the boy didn’t show up for a school assembly held elsewhere in the school, and when school staff searched for him, they found him in the school gym, unconscious.
EMS responded to the school at 2:30 p.m., she said.
January 22, 2008
Car hits 2 dogs; paramedics resuscitate Chihuahua
From the Austin-Travis County EMS Public Information Office:
Six days ago, Austin-Travis County EMS District Commander Temple Thomas and a visiting Brook Army Medical Center physician were making the rounds in north Austin, visiting EMS crews in their stations. As Commander Thomas’ vehicle approached North Lamar / St. Johns Avenue, their attention was drawn to a group of pedestrians gathered in the street.
Two small dogs had been struck by a passing vehicle. One of the dogs lay dead. The other, although unconscious and bleeding from the nose, appeared to be making some minimal respiratory effort.
Thomas and the visiting physician stopped to assist. After a quick assessment and suspecting a head injury, the two determined their best course of action was to assist the patient with her labored breathing. They fitted their canine patient with a breathing mask specifically designed for animals, and previously donated by Elaine Acker and the Pets America organization. Commander Thomas and the doctor administered high flow oxygen to their patient and transported her to Austin Vet Care At Central Park facility, where Dr. Adrienne Gwin and her staff took over patient care.
The next 48 hours were critical. Dr. Gwin initially listed the dog’s condition as “guarded”. As the hours and days passed, the patient began to show improvement. On Saturday, the victim was ready to be released. Since she had no identifying tags or implanted chip, the clinic staff set out to notify one of the local pet adoption agencies.
Zoe (Greek for “life”) has a new home now. Austin-Travis County EMS District Commander Temple Thomas is the proud adoptive parent to one small determined Chihuahua. Thomas already has two dogs, however he indicates the new addition to the family is working well.
Please come meet Zoe, EMS Commander Temple Thomas, Dr. Adrienne Gwin and her Austin Vet Care staff, also Pets America CEO Elaine Acker - on Wednesday January 23 at 12:30 p.m., at the Austin Vet Care at Central Park facility.
Zoe and Pets America Wednesday January 23 12:30 p.m. Austin Vet Care at Central Park 4106 North Lamar
December 7, 2007
Police evacuate Congress Ave. building after employee finds threatening letter, powder
Austin emergency crews have evacuated the 11th floor of the Plains Capital Bank building at 900 South Congress Avenue after an employee received a threatening letter containing black powder.
Police did not identify the man, who was treated treated inside the building by hazard management teams.
But the president of the anti-tax group Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Michael Quinn Sullivan, said he received the powdery substance and a death threat in the mail.
“While opening routine mail today, I found a letter, addressed specifically to our organization, and inside was a threatening letter with a black powdery substance. We immediately contacted the authorities. Authorities asked my staff and I to remain in the building while the rest of the building was evacuated. We extend our deepest thanks to the professional men and women of Austin’s police and fire departments and their emergency response teams. We have been, and will continue, to fully cooperate with the authorities.”
December 6, 2007
Man dies in construction incident
A man died Thursday evening in a construction incident near Westlake Drive.
The 38-year-old man was crushed between a boulder and a retaining wall at a home under construction at 608 Logan’s Lane, according to emergency officials.
No further information was immediately available.
November 23, 2007
14 people injured in Bastrop County wreck
A news release by the Austin-Travis County EMS Public Information Office
Update 12:20 a.m. — Austin-Travis County EMS resources have transported a total of eight patients from the Bastrop County collision — two by STAR Flight helicopter and six by ATCEMS ambulances. Two of the victims are Trauma Alert patients, that is they have what appear to be life-threatening injuries. Six of the victims are Trauma Transport patients, having serious injuries. Two of the eight are pediatric patients and likely will go to Dell Children’s Medical Center, the remaining six will be transported to Brackenridge Hospital.
There were a total of fourteen injuries at the collision scene. Guardian EMS transported the remaining patients or obtained patient refusals.
11:43 p.m. — ATCEMS Ambulance Resources and STAR Flight Helicopter Responding To Bastrop County Collision With Initial Reports Indicating Twelve Patient Injuries
Bastrop County officials and Guardian EMS have requested assistance from Austin -Travis County EMS at a collision, FM 812 / Old San Antonio Road near State Highway 21.
Austin-Travis County EMS received the request for assistance at 11:43 p.m. Reports from Guardian EMS are that there are twelve patient injuries: including two critical, six serious and three minor injuries. The STAR Flight helicopter and five ground ambulance resources are responding or are on the scene now.
November 17, 2007
One killed in head-on collision
A teenage girl died this morning in a head-on collision near San Leanna, officials said.
Warren Hassinger, spokesman for Austin-Travis County EMS, said the collision happened on FM 1626 shortly after 8 a.m.
The teen was driving one of the vehicles. Two people in the other vehicle refused treatment, Hassinger said.
Paramedics on the scene reported that the road was wet and slick. Additional details, including names of the people involved in the collision, were not immediately available.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the collision.
San Leanna is between Interstate 35 and Manchaca Road in southern Travis County.
November 2, 2007
1 critically injured in dump truck collision
An Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman says that one person was taken to Brackenridge Hospital this morning with critical injuries after a dump truck and pickup collided near E. Ben White Boulevard and Woodward Street in East Austin this morning around 6 a.m. There is one victim and that person’s name and age has not been released.
Austin police are investigating the crash. No other details were immediately available.
September 22, 2007
Child found dead in Guadalupe River
A 3-year-old boy was found dead in an unattended vehicle that went into the Guadalupe River on Saturday morning, Comal County sheriff’s office officials said.
The sheriff’s office received emergency calls about 10:30 a.m. regarding the submerged vehicle around Rust Road off FM 311. Three-year-old Cole Ryan Ewald was inside, but rescue efforts were hampered by swift water, sheriff’s officials said.
The child was removed from the vehicle by a diver and was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. It is unknown how and when Ewald got into the vehicle, sheriff’s officials said.
The death remains under investigation. Ewald’s body will be taken to the Travis County medical examiner for an autopsy.
September 18, 2007
911 cut off in San Marcos, Hays County
A news release from the City of San Marcos
A fiber optic line has been cut between Manchaca and Kyle, cutting off 9-1-1 services to San Marcos and portions of Hays County.
If people need help in San Marcos, they can call (512) 753-2108 or go to a fire station for assistance.
Other emergency numbers to call are:
- San Marcos Police: 512-753-2108 (this number is working only sporadically)
- Central Fire Station number: 512- 393-8464
- San Marcos/ Hays County EMS: 512-353-5115
San Marcos residents, including Texas State University can try 9-1-1. If you get a fast busy signal, call 512-753-2108.
Officials have found the fiber optic cut but do not have an estimated time for repairs.
Residents can call any of the numbers and emergency services will coordinate a response.
September 14, 2007
Train hits and kills man
Emergency officials are on the scene of an accident after a man was struck and killed by a train Friday evening near Oltorf Street and Thornton Road.
Officials said they don’t know what kind of train hit the man or what he was doing at the railroad tracks when the accident occurred.
Union Pacific Railroad officials contacted Travis County emergency personnel at about 6:40 p.m., after the accident, said Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
No more details are immediately available.
September 13, 2007
Austin-Travis EMS helps with Humberto response
From Austin-Travis County EMS Public Information Office:
Update, 12:00 noon, 9/13/2007 Special Operations District Commander Eric Jakubauskas reports that the Austin-Travis County EMS rescue specialists are currently staged in Houston. As yet, they have not received any duty assignment. The ATCEMS team will likely stay in place until at least 4:00 p.m. today, when a decision likely will be made to either demobilize the group and return to Austin, or stay for possible deployment.
Austin-Travis County EMS Special Operations paramedics have teamed with other Texas public safety agencies and have been deployed to the Houston area for flooding potential as tropical storm Humberto is expected to move onshore within the next eight hours. Forecasters warn of two to three foot storm surge flooding and as much as 15 inches of rain to the upper Texas coast.
Nine members of the EMS Special Operations Team assembled at the Travis County STAR Flight hanger shortly after noon today and were deployed to stage outside Houston. The team members left Austin at 3:30 p.m.
Five rescue medics will be assigned to a boat squad; four rescue medics will be assigned to staff two helicopter squads and will be teamed with military pilots and rescue personnel aboard Texas National Guard Blackhawk helicopters.
Operating as Texas Task Force 1 (TXTF1), Austin-Travis County EMS rescue specialists are part of a statewide contingent of specially trained public safety personnel called upon during disaster conditions. Through the Governor’s Office, the Texas DPS Division of Emergency Management authorizes the activation of the specially trained rescuers. Texas Task Force One members have trained together for the past six years, have participated in several joint training exercises in Austin, Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River.
Austin-Travis County EMS rescue paramedics were most recently activated and deployed to south Texas earlier this hurricane season on August 14.
September 11, 2007
Collision sends one to hospital in critical condition
One person was airlifted to Brackenridge Hospital this morning with critical injuries after getting in a traffic wreck on U.S. 290, west of the Y in Oak Hill.
Austin-Travis County EMS and the Oak Hill Fire Department were on the scene of the accident at the 11400 block of 290. The person who was injured was reportedly pinned into the vehicle.
Check back with statesman.com for more information.
August 28, 2007
One person critically injured in wreck near West Campus
A person has been taken to Brackenridge Hospital this morning with critical injuries after crashing a Chevy Camaro into a tree at West 29th Street and North Lamar Boulevard, according to Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
Hassinger said that the person transported was the only occupant in the car, which crashed around 7:40 a.m. Details about the occupant were not released.
August 12, 2007
Woman dies in Blanco River tubing accident
UPDATE: 9:54 p.m.
After an unsuccessful attempt to revive the 29-year-old woman, she was pronounced dead Sunday at the Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos.
Her name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.
8:31 p.m.
At about 6:35 p.m. Sunday, the Hays County sheriff’s office was called to a water rescue north of 5 Mile Dam on Oldstage Coach Road.
A 29-year-old woman had been tubing in the Blanco River and was swept under a bridge in the 3300 block of Old Stagecoach Road. Family and friends did not see her emerge. She was found about 500 yards south of the bridge.
The sheriff’s office, the Kyle Fire Department, Kyle 1st Responders and Medic 3 began CPR. She was taken to the Central Texas Medical Center.
Her condition is unknown at this time, and the case is still under investigation.
July 18, 2007
Three seriously injured in morning collision
Three people are being taken to the hospital this morning after a pin-in collision near the intersection of East Parmer Lane and McAllen Pass in Northeast Austin around 7:30 a.m., according to an Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman. The names of the injured were not immediately available.
A spokesman for EMS said that the patients had noncritical injuries.
July 12, 2007
Boy Hit by Train in San Marcos, Suffers Minor Injuries
An eight year old boy was transported to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin Thursday afternoon with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a train in San Marcos around 3:20 p.m.
The boy was at an appointment at the Old Mill on Uhland Road when he ran out of the building and ran northbound between two sets of railroad tracks, according to San Marcos Police. A southbound train was stationary and the northbound train was moving at about 25-30 mph.
The engineer used his emergency brakes to slow the train. The child continued to run between the tracks, lost his shoe, stopped to pick it up and was hit by the cowcatcher of the northbound train.
The boy spun around as the train continued approximately 340 feet before stopping. The engineer ran back to the child who appeared to have minor lacerations and scratches.
San Marcos Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and checked over the boy until San Marcos-Hays County EMS arrived to transport the child to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin for further examination and treatment.
Police did not release the child’s name.
July 11, 2007
One dead, one critically injured in auto-bicycle collision
A bicyclist was killed and the driver of a car was hospitalized after a collision this morning in South Austin, officials said.
The incident happened around 10 a.m. in the 12100 block of Manchaca Road near FM 1626. The bicyclist, whose name has not been released, died at Brackenridge Hospital. The driver of the car, which rolled over in the wreck, is in critical condition.
May 22, 2007
Three rescued after being swept away by flood waters
A STAR Flight crew has rescued three people who had been swept away by their vehicle after being stranded in flood waters at a low water crossing, according to Austin/Travis County Emergency Services spokesman Warren Hassinger.
The rescue started at around 6 a.m. Tuesday morning when Bell County officials responded to the incident near Nolanville.
No other information about the incident was immediately available.
StarFlight responding to water rescue; 2 swept away from vehicle
From Austin-Travis County EMS:
Bell County officials have requested the STAR Flight helicopter to assist with a water rescue where two persons were swept away from their vehicle as it attempted to cross and unknown river or creek. The closest town to the ongoing incident is Nolanville. STAR Flight rigged their aircraft for the rescue, and lifted off from Brackenridge Hospital at 6:05 a.m. Bell County is the primary contact for the incident.
Earlier this morning, at 1:59 a.m., STAR Flight was requested to Burnet County near the town of Briggs, where two persons were stranded by flood waters in their vehicle as it attempted to cross a flooded creek. STAR Flight lifted from Brackenridge Hospital at 2:09 a.m., however was cancelled minutes later when Burnet County advised the pair had been succesfully rescued.
Additional information on the Bell County incident will be released when it becomes available.
May 19, 2007
Kayaker dies at Kyle park
On Friday, May 18, 2007, shortly before 9 p.m., the Hays County sheriff’s office communications division received a call for a water rescue at Dudley Johnson Park in Kyle. Units from the Kyle Fire Department, Hays County EMS and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office responded.
Responding personnel were told by a female on the scene that she and a male companion had come to the park to kayak. The male had dropped the female off at the boat ramp and had gone upstream to do some more kayaking and exercising and did not return for some time. The female became worried and walked upstream to check on him. She found the empty kayak and called for assistance.
Members of the Kyle Fire Department found the male subject near the river’s edge. CPR was initiated but was unsuccessful and the male subject was pronounced deceased.
Justice of the Peace Beth Smith was called to the scene and ordered an autopsy.
The subject’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
May 15, 2007
Mother who tried to rescue kids is in critical condition
A woman remains in critical condition after she and her husband tried to save their young children from being swept away in Onion Creek at McKinney Falls State Park, emergency officials said Tuesday morning.
The woman’s husband was pronounced dead shortly after he was pulled from the water, officials say. The names of the two victims have not been released.
Officials say the couple was at a family outing at the park Monday evening when two of the couple’s children were swept away in the creek.
The children’s parents jumped into the water to save them but were swept away in the water. The children made it out of the water, but the mother was pulled out by family members and bystanders, according to a statement by the Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
The father was pulled from the water after being submerged for at least 30 minutes, officials say. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at South Austin Hospital, according to Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for Austin/Travis County EMS. The woman was taken by STAR flight to Brackenridge Hospital and remains there this morning, Hassinger said.
Hassinger said he did not know how long the woman was underwater. “It’s very sad, but parents will do what they can do when it comes to their kids,” he said.
May 14, 2007
Father drowns at McKinney Falls Park
UPDATE A father drowned when he and his wife tried to save their children at McKinney Falls State Park about 7 p.m. Monday. The children were fine, but the man and his wife had to be pulled from the water by rescuers. The father was under water in Onion Creek for at least 30 minutes, officials said. His wife was revived at the scene and taken to Brackenridge Hospital. They were part of a large gathering of an extended family at the Southeast Travis County park, officials said.
FIRST REPORT At approximately 7:12 p.m. Emergency Communications personnel were notified of a double drowning incident at McKinney Falls Park, 5805 McKinney Falls Parkway, near the lower falls area. Callers reported two person in the water initailly, then one pulled out of the water with CPR in progress, and one victim still missing.
According to ATCEMS District Comander Corey Ricketson, the victims were part of a large family outing, when two small children were swept away in Onion Creek, The victim’s parents, both reported to be non-swimmers, jumped in after their children. The young victims made it out of the water, the adults did not.
One adult female was pulled from the water by family members / bystanders, CPR was initiated. The victim was breathing and had a pulse when EMS arrived on the scene. STAR Flight transported the victim to Brackenridge Hospital at 7:57 p.m.
One adult male was pulled from the water after being submerged for at least thirty minutes. CPR was initiated, the victim was trasnported by ground ambulance to South Austin Hospital with CPR in progress at 8:12 p.m. His condition is considered extremely critical.
Both children were evaluated by paramedics and were released to extended family members.
Agencies involved in the incident include: Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
May 8, 2007
Search continues for woman missing in Bull Creek Preserve
From Austin-Travis County EMS:
An adult female is still missing this morning after taking a mid-day walk yesterday in the Bull Creek Preserve located at the end of Old Lampasas Trail. The victim walked into the preserve shortly after noon on Monday.
The search began Monday evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. As of 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, searchers have aggressively combed the approximately nine square mile preserve with special emphasis on what they consider “high probability areas.”
The victim is identified as Mithelde Vega, a 66 year-old Hispanic female. Ms. Vega has shoulder length brown hair and was last seen wearing yellow or pink shorts. According to family members, the victim lives near the preserve and takes walks there regularly.
Public safety personnel and rescuers from several local agencies have joined in the coordinated search and include: Austin-Travis County EMS, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin Parks Police, Travis County Fire Control, Travis County Search and Rescue.
The STAR Flight and the DPS helicopters have provided assistance with aerial search capabilities when possible.
The Travis County Search and Rescue Team has three search dogs and handlers in the preserve.
April 15, 2007
Bun Run participant suffers cardiac arrest
A runner in the annual Schlotzsky’s 5K Bun Run suffered sudden cardiac arrest this morning near the Seaholm Power Plant. The 51-year-old victim was running with his wife and two children on West Cesar Chavez when the life-threatening incident occurred.
The initial call to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications at 8:05 a.m. reported a runner “down” with what was described as a seizure. Moments later, a specially modified EMS All Terrain Vehicle drove up on the incident as they followed a group of runners. The two paramedics recognized the victim as having suffered cardiac arrest and requested additional resources at 8:08 a.m.
With the assistance of bystanders, family members, a local anesthesiologist, and a critical care nurse, paramedics directed CPR while they shocked the victim one time, placed an advance airway in the victim’s trachea, and began the initial round of cardiac medications.
Paramedics reported the victim had return of pulses at 8:16 a.m., and was breathing without assistance. He was transported to Brackenridge Hospital by ambulance at 8:23 a.m., and at last report was doing well.
March 18, 2007
Man falls from cliff near County Line restaurant
Firefighters are at the scene this afternoon with a man who fell 30 feet from a cliff near County Line restaurant on the lake at 5204 FM 2222. The man, who is believed to be about 70 years old, was alert when rescuers reached him, according to Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
March 15, 2007
10 EMS employees disciplined for viewing porn while on duty
Ten Austin-Travis County EMS employees have been disciplined for viewing Internet pornography on city computers while on duty, officials said today.
Officials said three paramedics resigned instead of being fired.
Two district commanders were demoted and suspended for two weeks; two other paramedics were suspended for 96 hours - tantamount to two weeks - and three were suspended for 48 hours, which equals a week.
March 12, 2007
Woman dies in fast water in Seguin; several rescued
Hard rains overnight, including up to 4 inches in some areas, caused widespread flooding, which killed a woman in Seguin and stranded several people in Central Texas in fast-moving water. A STAR Flight helicopter responded to several incidents, and was credited with rescuing two people near Bastrop.
Flash Flood warnings remain in effect for Travis County, Hays County near Driftwood and other parts of Texas east of the Interstate 35 corridor.
At 8 a.m. the Caldwell County Swiftwater Rescue Team saved four people who were stranded on top of a car in fast-moving water near Luling. The people were stranded on the 1800 block of Texas 80 on the San Marcos River.
At 6:55 a.m., STAR Flight located the body of the person who died in Guadalupe County. The woman’s body was located shortly after the search began.
The Seguin Fire Department said a car with two people in it was swept from the roadway north of Interstate 10 and Texas 123 at about 2:00 a.m. The other person was pulled to safety before the helicopter arrived.
At 5 a.m., STAR Flight rescued two people near FM 812 and Walnut Creek, southwest of the City of Bastrop.
The Austin Office of Emergency Management reports that only two roads remain closed this morning.
The National Weather Service for the Austin/San Antonio region reported that parts of Travis County north of Lago Vista got up to 4 inches of rain and southern parts of the county got up to 3 inches of rain.
“It’s like getting a month’s worth of rain in 12 hours,” said Clay Anderson, a forecaster for the National Weather Service.
Anderson said rain may not start again until tonight, but it is expected to be rainy all day tomorrow.
Woman dies in overnight flooding
A woman who was in a car swept off the roadway north of Interstate 10 and State Highway 123 in Seguin was found dead this morning at around 6:55 a.m., according to Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. The incident happened around 2 a.m. this morning.
March 8, 2007
Off-duty Manor police officer injured in morning collision
An off-duty Manor police officer is recovering after he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident this morning, a spokesman for the Manor Police department said.
The accident happened at around 7:30 a.m. this morning when the officer swerved to avoid another collision and hit the back of another car in the 10000 block of U.S. 290 East.
The officer was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident. He has a fractured knee but is doing OK, Lt. S.M. Ford said.
February 9, 2007
Woman killed in early morning crash
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services has issued the following news release:
ATCEMS, police and fire personnel ares on the scene of a fatality collision in the 1400 blk of East Parmer Lane. Emergency Communication personnel first recived notification of the incident at 5:55 a.m.
Paramedics from Med-Rescue 29 indicate the lone occupant was pinned in the vehicle totally engulfed by flames. The vehicle was involved in a collision with a crane-type vehicle. The adult female was pronounced DOS. The victim’s name has not been released.
A second patient, the driver of the crane, was evaluated by paramedics and has refused treatment.
February 8, 2007
Five injured in morning collisions
Two accidents this morning have snarled morning traffic and sent five people to Brackenridge Hospital.
The first was a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of FM 1327 and Turnersville Road in Travis County near Creedmoor, according to an Austin Travis County EMS spokesman. One of the vehicles was engulfed in flames. STAR Flight flew a critically injured patient to Brackenridge Hospital, and two people were being taken by ground to Brackenridge Hospital.
The second was a pin-in collision near mile marker 248 in the 19000 block of North I-35. The accident involved 2 vehicles, and one driver was pinned in for awhile, EMS said, but two people involved were taken to Brackenridge Hospital with not life-threatening injuries.
Both happened around 6:30 a.m., according to EMS.
Weather could be a factor in this morning's fatality
A 45-year-old man has died and another has been injured at a traffic accident at the 19000 block of Texas 71 near Bob Wire Road in Western Travis County.
The accident happened around 5:45 a.m. and officials believe rain might have been a factor. The person injured in the other vehicle has been taken to Brackenridge Hospital.
Warren Hassinger, a spokesman for Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services, said that traffic is backed up in both directions on the two-lane road near Spicewood.
Hassinger said there had been another collision in the area involving an 18-wheeler and another car because of the backed up traffic. No injuries were reported as a result of that accident, he said.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area and to take their time on the road this morning because a light mist is falling and roads may be slick.
Man dies in collision on Texas 71
ATCEMS, Pedernales Fire Department and Travis County Sheriff’s Office are at the scene of a fatality collision — in the 19000 bock of Texas71 West near Bob Wire Road in western Travis County.
Emergency Communications received the initial 911 notification at 5:45 a.m. First units on the scene advised two vehicles, with one extremely critical patient still pinned in the vehicle, also a second victim with minimal injuries.
After an extended extrication process, the first victim has been extricated. The approximately 45-year-old male has been pronounced dead on the scene. The second victim is being transported to Brackenridge Hospital.
Traffic is backed up in both directions on Texas 71. A secondary collision has just been reported at the incident scene — no injuries.
Pin-in collision causes traffic delays on 71
Traffic near the 19000 block of Highway 71 is blocked this morning after a two-vehicle collision near Bob Wire Road, a spokesperson for Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services said this morning.
The accident involved two vehicles. One person will be taken to a nearby hospital with minimal injuries and the other is still pinned in one of the cars involved in the accident. A EMS spokesman said the person inside the vehicle is in “very critical condition.”
February 6, 2007
Woman critically injured in early morning crash
A woman whose SUV hit a pole near the intersection of East Rundberg Lane and North Creek Drive in North Austin is in critical condition this morning at Brackenridge Hospital, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Warren Hassinger said.
The accident happened around 4 a.m.
The woman, whose name and age has not been released, was pinned in the vehicle for about 20 minutes. Hassinger said the woman was unconscious when paramedics took her to the hospital.
January 13, 2007
Agencies respond to at least 10 reports of water rescues
11:00 a.m. UPDATE — Area Public Safety Agencies Attending To Multiple Reports of Persons and Vehicles Stranded In Flood Waters
Since 4:15 a.m., area public safety agencies have repsonded to at least ten water rescues or swift water rescues, for reports of vehicles or persons reported stranded in ditches, roadways and creeks. One person has been rescued and transported to Brackenridge Hospital, while others have been evaluated for exposure to cold and water.
Rescues thus far include: 14000 blk FM 812 — no patient found FM 1327 / Evelyn Road — nothing found 714 East 8th at Waller Creek — one victim rescued, rescuers are searching for a second victim. The rescued victim reportedly made a heroic effort to grab the missing female victim from the Class IV flood waters, was able to hold on for only a short time before she was pulled from his grasp. The unidentified adult female victim is missing and presumed dead. 3rd / Nueces at the walking bridge — two persons evaluated by EMS, refused treatment 1100 blk West Ditmar Road — vehicle reported stranded in the water Harris Branch Pkwy / East Parmer Lane — vehicle and occupants reported stranded — nothing found 13000 blk Crooked Creek — vehicle and occupants stranded in rising water — nothing found Industrial Road / Terro-O Lane — vehicle and occupants stranded in rising water — nothing found
As of 10:00 a.m.: 20700 blk Cameron Rd — SUV and two occupants stranded in rising water, STAR Flight assigned for a “short haul” rescue with Pflugerville Fire Department, victims were able to walk out with assistance. One victim is being evaluated by fire and EMS personnel for cold exposure. A second victim is being transported to an area hospital with injuries described as “not serious”.
As of 11:00 a.m.: Cameron Road / Schmidt Lane — vehicle with multiple occupants (1 adult, 1 child, 1 infant) stranded in rising water. STAR Flight helicopter, EMS Special Ops and Pflugerville Fire Department are at the scene advising the vehicle is stable in the water. The victims are being extricated now.
Public Safety agencies involved in the incidents include Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Department, Pflugerville Fire Department, Travis County Fire Rescue.
Please encourage motorists to use common sense when driving area roadways and to stay away from roadways covered by water.
October 10, 2006
Two killed in early morning crash
Rain early this morning may have contributed to a crash involving a pickup truck and an out-of-county ambulance in the 19000 block of Texas 71 West in Southwest Travis County that killed a paramedic and left another in critical condition, according to an Austin/Travis County EMS spokesman.
The truck’s driver died later at Brackenridge Hospital, officials said.
The westbound lanes of Texas 71 West are closed near Bee Creek Road at this hour, and only one eastbound lane is open to traffic in that area.
Stay with statesman.com for more on this developing story.
September 28, 2006
12-year-old boy critically injured on Interstate 35
A pedestrian has been critically injured in a traffic collision near the 8900 block of Interstate 35 North, according to Emergency Medical Services officials.
The 12-year-old boy was hit in the southbound lanes near Rundberg Lane. He was walking with at least one other boy, but no one else was injured, EMS spokesman Warren Hassinger said.
Austin Police Department spokeswoman Laura Albrecht said the crash happened around 7 this morning. Albrecht said the boys were trying to take a short cut to get to a bus stop near the southbound lanes. Investigators said the boys were trying to run all the way across six lanes of congested rush hour traffic when a Ford F-150 pickup truck struck the boy at 35 to 40 miles per hour.
“I see those kids cross that street on the way to school every morning,” EMS paramedic Randy Treffer, who was at the scene, said. “The driver said he didn’t see them.”
The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to Children’s Hospital of Austin. He has potentially life-threatening injuries to his head and chest, according to Treffer.
The accident is still under investigation, Austin police officials said, but they do not anticipate filing charges because the boys were in the roadway.
This is the second time in a week that a young person was critically injured while crossing a street. Last week, 11-year-old Dakota Shultz was struck as he crossed Manchaca Road near FM 1626 with another child.
September 22, 2006
11-year-old boy injured in morning collision
The Austin-Travis County EMS has issued the following news release:
At approximately 7:35 a.m. this morning, Austin-Travis County EMS, Travis County Sheriff’s office and Manchaca Fire Rescue were notified of an auto/pedestrian incident in the 11900 block of Manchaca Road in southwest Travis County near FM 1626. Multiple callers reported a small child struck by a vehicle as he waited at a school bus stop. Witnesses state the vehicle pulled from behind the stopped school bus to pass and struck the child at approximately 40 mph. The child was thrown approximately 30 feet. Witnesses state the school bus warning lights were active at the time the vehicle passed.
First units onscene advised the child was unconscious and appeared to have very serious traumatic injuries. A/TCEMS Medic 2 arrived onscene and immediately requested air transport. STAR Flight arrived minutes later and transported the child to Brackenridge Children’s Hospital.
The latest information from the STAR Flight crew indicates the child remains unconscious with very significant traumatic injuries. His condition is considered critical.
September 21, 2006
Four injured in FM 620 collision
Four people, including a child, have been injured in a collision near the intersection of FM 620 and Debba Drive in the Hudson Bend area, a spokesperson for Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services said.
Two people have potentially serious injuries, according to EMS. Two others have minimal injuries, according to authorities. No other information is available about the collision.
The patients are being transported to Brackenridge Hospital.
August 9, 2006
Woman critically injured in fire
Austin-Travis County EMS has issued this news release:
One person was critically injured today, the victim of a structure fire in North Austin. Austin-Travis County EMS paramedics responded with the Austin Fire Department to the 2700 block of Twin Oaks Drive at 1:35 a.m. The elderly female victim was located minutes later. Paramedics reported CPR in progress.
Medic 8 transported the victim to Brackenridge Hospital at 2:03 a.m., describing their patient as having traumatic injuries and in respiratory arrest.
Shortly before 5 a.m., the STAR Flight helicopter was requested to transport the victim from Brackenridge Hospital to Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. STAR Flight transported the victim at 4:40 a.m., and arrived in San Antonio at the burn center at 5:15 a.m.
There is no update on the victim’s condition.
July 28, 2006
Collision on Highway 71 West in Bee Caves leaves 1 critically injury
4:05 p.m. — Collision Hwy 71 West in Bee Caves, One Critical Injury
Austin- Travis County EMS is on the scene of a multiple vehicle collision with Oak Hill Fire Department, TCSO and DPS — Hwy 71 West / Spanish Oaks Club Drive. Cell Phone callers reported the incident at 3:10 p.m.
Updates from the scene indicate an 18-wheeler has collided with as many as ten other vehicles, pushing one vehicle from the roadway and into a ditch.
Eight person have been evaluated for injuries. Medic 9 has transported one patient with potentially critical injuries to Brackenridge Hospital. Three other crash victims are also being transported to Brackenridge Hospital, including one 2-year old patient. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
TXDOT indicates traffic is stopped in bith directions.
— From Austin Travis County EMS
July 22, 2006
Man drowns at Mansfield Dam Park
Austin-Travis County EMS has issued this news release:
At approximately 2:10 p.m., emergency communications personnel were notified of a drowning incident at Mansfield Dam Park near the boat launch area. Callers reported a 20- to 25-year-old male failed to resurface from swimming in water approximately 60 feet deep.
Bystanders and amateur divers at the scene started a search for the victim before the first rescue units arrived at the scene, and efforts continued when Travis County Parks units arrived at the scene.
As of 3 p.m., the victim has been located, however his body has not been recovered. The Travis County Dive Team has been notified.
Today’s incident marks the fifth drowning on Lake Travis in 2006.
Agencies involved in the incident include: Austin-Travis County EMS, Hudson Bend Fire Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County Dive Team, Travis County Parks and the Lake Travis Task Force.
July 2, 2006
Bystander performs CPR on 3-year-old at Lake Long
Quick thinking at a family outing likely saved the life of a 3-year-old child Sunday at Lake Walter E. Long. A bystander pulled the child from shallow water, unconscious and not breathing, and was able to give life-saving breaths before paramedics and firefighters arrived.
Emergency communications workers received the cell phone call for assistance shortly after 2 p.m. The caller reported a girl had been pulled from the water after what may have been one minute or more of submersion. The caller also stated the child was limp, pale and unresponsive with no breathing and no pulse — no signs of life.
The bystander began CPR, chest compressions and rescue breathing shortly after the victim was pulled from the water, and continued CPR for about one minute. Then the child began to spit up water and breathe on her own.
When firetrucks and ambulances arrived minutes later, the victim was awake and crying, and became more alert as paramedics and firefighters continued their evaluation.
The victim’s vital signs contined to improve as the minutes passed. She was transported to Children’s Hospital of Austin for further evaluation.
The name of the victim has not been released.
Austin-Travis County EMS Public Information Office
June 19, 2006
STAR Flight helicopter rescues 2 hikers in greenbelt
From Austin-Travis County EMS:
12:45 a.m. — STAR Flight Helicopter Rescues Two Hikers at Nighttime Greenbelt Rescue
After what was to have been a leisurely late afternoon stroll in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, two hikers found themselves lost in near total darkness and used a cell phone and camera flash to assist rescuers in locating them. APD officers notified Austin Emergency Communications at 11:35 p.m., indicating two persons, one man and one woman, lost approximately one mile from the 360 Access Point at MoPac South / FM 360. All reports indicated the pair was not injured, only lost.
STAR Flight was dispatched and responded at 11:43 p.m., and began a systematic search of the Greenbelt at 11:47 p.m. Using cell phones to communicate between the hikers and the Flight Medic, STAR Flight was able to narrow their search area. Minutes later as the aircraft closed in on their location, the victims used their camera flash to make themselves more noticeable to flight the crew.
STAR Flight located the two hikers at 12:15 a.m., landed at a clearing in the Greenbelt creek bed, and after confirming neither of the victims was injured, airlifted the two to a parking nearby parking lot. The EMS portion of the incident was closed a 12:24 a.m.
