Gila Bend, AZ, Fire Department Fined for Safety Violations after Medic Injured
An Arizona fire department has been fined for safety violations after a paramedic was seriously injured working on the job.
Cody Jordan had only been with the Gila Bend Fire Department for about a year before he was trapped while working on a fire truck at the station in February.
In order to get a battery number, he raised the cab of the rig a little. But, the hydraulic system failed and it fell, trapping him under the 2,500-pound cab, according to KPHO.
He suffered life-threatening injuries including a fractured sternum and brain trauma due to asphyxiation.
Management was aware of the engine's built in locking mechanism and that it only was in place if the cab was fully extended,” investigators with Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health said, adding that Jordan hadn't raised the cab entirely.
There was also no documentation that the hydraulic system had ever been previously inspected, they determined.
“It was a dire situation. He did almost die,” officials said at a recent hearing.
Fire officers also failed to report the incident to the state agency within 24 hours as required.
The department has been fined $17,131 for safety violations.
