Orange County FL: A construction worker was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) after suffering injuries on the third floor of a parking garage under construction at the Peabody Hotel on International Drive.

The 9-1-1 call came in at 10:35 this morning reporting a 20 year old construction worker was struck on the head by a broken air hose.  Fire crews arrived on scene in less than five minutes and quickly determined the need for special resources to rescue the patient from the third floor of the unfinished structure.

While paramedics treated the patient high above the ground, crews from Squad 1 and Truck 54 created a plan using ropes and ladders to bring the patient to the ground safely.  It took nearly an hour to rescue the patient.  The patient was transferred to Orange County Fire Rescue’s Fire Star medial helicopter for transport to the trauma center at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Orange County Fire Rescue has 3 Special Operation Squads and 4 Truck companies stationed throughout the county to provide the special tools and knowledge to conduct these dangerous technical rescues. 

When it comes to traumatic head injuries, it is critical to get the patient to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible.  Battalion Chief Greg Pines said, “Having specialized resources nearby and access to a medical helicopter gave this patient the best chance of survival.”