NEWS RELEASE
WHITEFISH TOWNSHIP EMS
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On 12/3/2024 Whitefish Township EMS was dispatched at 11:54 a.m. to a location on Hwy M-123 for a PI Accident.
Within a few minutes, bystanders arrived on scene including a volunteer with Whitefish Fire who was on his way home, a Ryder delivery driver, and a resident who lived across the road. They attempted access to the patient by breaking a rear window on the vehicle that was sitting on its left side in a water-filled ditch. Side curtain airbags had deployed.
Two Border Patrol agents on snowmobiles arrived just prior to an on-duty EMS crew consisting of one EMT and one Paramedic who were on scene within nine minutes of the dispatch request. Those on scene began rescue attempts and patient assessment/treatment while awaiting a volunteer fire department response with extrication tools. They managed to remove the windshield, control traffic, stabilize the scene, and reassure the patient until the tools arrived.
EMS used the jaws to remove the steering wheel and directed the extrication of the patient to the awaiting ambulance while standing in approximately 30” or more of water. Whitefish Bravo unit, with the same two EMS responders, cleared the scene at 1:01 p.m. and transported to MyMichigan Sault with Bay Mills Emergency Connection providing an Advanced Life Support response.
The patient was in stable condition and is a lifelong resident of Paradise and beloved pillar of our community. We are very grateful to have had the quick response and assistance from Chippewa County Central Dispatch, SSM Border Patrol Agents, Michigan State Police, Chippewa County Sheriff Department, Bay Mills Police, Bay Mills Emergency Connection, Whitefish Fire, and our local resident heroes! Without the collaborative efforts of all those that responded, the outcome could have been much worse.
The Paradise community thanks you for your dedication, courage, and teamwork!
Sincerely, Whitefish EMS Director Gray
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