by Alan Quick

FIREFIGHTERS from North Tawton and Okehampton used hydraulic rescue equipment to rescue a woman trapped in her car, after it collided with a tree near North Tawton on Monday evening, November 27.A member of the public telephoned Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service at 7pm to report that a vehicle had left the carriageway and collided with a tree at Iron Bridge Cross, on the B3215 between North Tawton and Sampford Courtenay.The first fire engine, from North Tawton, arrived at the scene just five minutes after the Fire Service received the initial call.A Fire Service Operations Assurance Officer and a Heavy Rescue Tender from Middlemoor Fire Station in Exeter were also called to assist at the scene. An Ambulance and Police also attended.A DSFRS spokesman said: "Crews got to work administering first aid and freeing the casualty using hydraulic rescue equipment and small tools."Due to the nature of the incident a Devon Air Ambulance was dispatched to Okehampton Rugby Club."Fire control mobilised a 4x4 vehicle from Okehampton Fire Station to assist Air Ambulance Paramedics in getting to the scene.   "The Air Ambulance was stood down and one female casualty was freed from the vehicle and transported to hospital via land ambulance and the incident was handed over to the police."Sgt Harry Tangye from Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on social media site "Twitter": "An 18-year-old in hospital after aquaplaning on a wet Okehampton road hitting a tree. Should be okay. #Lucky Log 640."