On February 2, 2022 at approximately 3:42pm, the WBFD and our automatic aid partners were dispatched to the first block of Weaver Rd in South Heidelberg Township for a rescue. Initial reports were of a 150’ tree that had fallen into a house, with a person trapped underneath it. First arriving crews found a 74 year old male, conscious and alert, trapped underneath building materials and other debris in the right rear corner of the home, in the garage. Personnel were able to shore and stabilize the tree both inside and outside of the home, to create a safe working environment and further protect the patient. The focus then shifted to removing all of the obstructions by hand, even having to use reciprocating and band saws to assist in the removal. A tunnel was created to the patient, allowing personnel to crawl in and start a medical assessment. The patient was then placed on a backboard, and removed from the garage through the interior of the home. He was then transported to Reading Hospital for further care.
