DALTON, Mass. — Local public safety personnel responded to a mass-casualty incident Sunday on Washington Mountain Road based on the number of patients although the injuries were reported to be "minor."

 

At approximately 12:52 p.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to the scene for a report of a multi-vehicle rollover accident. 

 

At the time of the initial response, three patients were reporting injuries. However, after further assessment, first responders determined that there were a total of nine — prompting a mass-casualty incident response, the Fire Department said in a Facebook post. 

 

The department's road rescue advance life service ambulance was the first unit to arrive on scene. Squad 1 also responded with three firefighters, including one emergency medical technician, while Engine 3 responded with two firefighters, both of whom are emergency medical technicians.

 

Police, County Ambulance, Hinsdale Ambulance and Lanesborough Ambulance "quickly" responded to provide additional assistance, the Fire Department's post said. 

 

The department specifically recognized County Ambulance paramedic Austin White for his assistance managing the mass-casualty response at the scene. It also thanked Dalton Dispatch for promptly dispatching additional resources once the mass-casualty incident was declared.

 

"This incident is a great example of why mutual aid is so important. Through the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, all nine patients were safely transported to Berkshire Medical Center with what appeared to be minor injuries," the post said. 

 

"We are proud of the teamwork and professionalism displayed by everyone involved. Thank you to all of the departments, ambulance crews, dispatchers, and personnel who responded and assisted on scene. This is what mutual aid is all about."