Merrimack First Responders Rescue Man

At around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, Merrimack Fire and Rescue teams were dispatched to Coles Rock Road for a subject trapped under a tractor, according to Fire Marshal John Manuele.

Ambulance 1 and Engine 2 responded immediately and requested the response of Rescue 1, the department’s Heavy Rescue unit. Engine 2 arrived at 12:47 p.m. and found an adult male trapped under the protective roll bar of a compact utility tractor that had rolled onto its side (This is a medium-size diesel powered tractor equipped with a front-end loader, weighing approximately 3,000 lbs.).

Engine 2 personnel, under the command of Lt. Dan Newman, assessed the situation and put a rescue plan into effect using high pressure lifting air bags and wooden cribbing to support the overturned tractor. Rescue 1 arrived at 12:49 p.m. and provided additional personnel and specialized equipment.

In total, nine Merrimack Fire/Rescue personnel, under the command of Capt. Matt Duke, assessed the situation, stabilized the tractor, evaluated and began treatment of the patient and safely lifted the tractor from the trapped patient.

The patient was freed from the tractor and moved to Ambulance 1 18 minutes after Merrimack Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on scene.

The patient received advanced life support treatment and was transported by Merrimack Ambulance 1 to Southern NH Medical Center for definitive care. Personnel from Engine 2 and Rescue 1 remained on scene to ensure the tractor was safely up-righted. All personnel cleared the scene at 2:10 p.m.

Officers from the Merrimack Police Department were first to arrive on scene and assisted in the operation, according to the report.