Firefighters in Lafayette, Pa. had their extrication and patient care skills put to the test early Friday after finding a woman impaled by a trailer hitch.
After her car rear-ended a boat trailer, the two by four inch hitch went through the engine compartment and dash, and into the right side of the woman's abdomen. Part of it was sticking out her back, Lafayette Fire Lt. Mike King told reporters.
Megan R. Adams, 28, a teacher, was out of surgery about mid-morning Friday. Officials are calling her survival a miracle.
The crash occurred about six hours before it was discovered about 5:45 a.m.
Firefighters stabilized the vehicle by deflating the tires and placing blocks under the wheels. They removed the roof and doors as well.
Using a saw, firefighters cut the metal hitch a few inches in front of the woman and then behind her.
“I was incredibly overwhelmed and thankful she was awake and conscious and talking to us,” King told reporters “She was with us the whole way through. Hopefully, she pulls through this.”
It was the worst impalement King has seen in his 17 years with the fire department.
