CR 337 Fire Fatality 2011

On July 7, 2011 at approximately 1550 hours, crewmembers from the Bonneville IHC were performing cold trailing operations after completing handline construction in Division A of the CR 337 Fire. Weather conditions were very hot, with afternoon temperatures exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Without exhibiting any noticeable signs of distress, crewmember Caleb Hamm collapsed and fell to the ground. The unconscious patient was initially exhibiting labored breathing as initial emergency care was being given. The emergency medical plan was initiated and set into place. The patient’s condition was rapidly deteriorated from labored breathing to a condition where CPR was administered. Initial efforts to restore vitals were unsuccessful.

Emergency medical response was activated at approximately 1555 and a ground ambulance and air ambulance from were dispatched. The air ambulance landed at DP 20 at approximately 1635. Two flight nurses from the air ambulance were transported a short distance by ground transportation where they met the crewmembers who were performing CPR on the patient. The nurses began advanced life support, while transportation continued to a waiting ground ambulance at DP 20. The ground ambulance, with patient and two flight nurses departed at approximately 1649 and arrived at Palo Pinto General Hospital in Mineral Wells at approximately 1700. Mr. Hamm was pronounced dead by the attending physician shortly after arrival.

Heat Related Illness, Heat Injury, Fatality, Hand Crews, Medical or Exertion