Published: September 29, 2023
Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2023) – On Thursday, September 28, Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a multiple casualty motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Chalet Suzanne Road/Highway 27 in Lake Wales.
At approximately 6:36 p.m. on Thursday, PCFR, along with the Lake Wales Police Department, the Lake Wales Fire Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Winter Haven Police Department, responded to the scene of a vehicle crash. Upon arrival, PCFR determined that there were three trauma alert patients. Eight additional patients needed treatment.
Due to the number of trauma alert patients, the crash was classified as a Level 2 Multiple Casualty Incident (MCI). This required 12 PCFR units to manage to the scene.
The Lake Wales Police Department is currently investigating the crash. Any questions regarding the crash should be directed to Lake Wales Police Department.
“Polk County Fire Rescue recently secured a grant in partnership with Jennifer Brandow of the Florida Department of Health (Polk County) to add a mass casualty transport vehicle (bus) to its fleet,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. “The vehicle will be beneficial for multiple casualty incidents such as the crash that occurred yesterday. The unit will serve to support the region not only for mass casualty incidents but also in other cases where mass transport of patients is needed.”