Teamwork helps rescue fallen hiker
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First responders rescue a fallen hiker with a broken leg in the Flagg Mountain area and get her loaded in the Lifesaver 4 helicopter for transport. Photos submitted
By Christa Jennings
Senior staff writer
A group effort by multiple agencies and first responders helped rescue a fallen hiker Monday in the Flagg Mountain area.
At approximately 10:40 a.m. Monday, April 1, Coosa County EMS; along with the Sheriff’s Office, Coosa County Emergency Management Agency, Marble Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Kellyton Fire & Rescue, and the Alabama Forestry Commission; launched a search and rescue operation on Flagg Mountain in response to a patient who had fallen and broken her leg along the Pinhoti White Trail.
According to reports, Sheriff Michael Howell, EMS Director Sheldon Hutcherson and Coosa EMS personnel were able to locate the patient a few miles from County Road 56. She was found several hundred yards down in a hollow, after reportedly having fallen approximately 7-10 feet into a spring, fracturing her leg.
Kellyton Fire & Rescue responded with a side-by-side with stretcher capability, as well as two paramedics to assist with extricating the patient. Care was provided, and the patient was stabilized until a stokes basket, or rescue stretcher, could be utilized to carry her about 400 yards to the trailhead where all-terrain vehicles were staged.
Coosa County EMS reported that Lifesaver 4, a medical helicopter or air ambulance stationed in Sylacauga, was contacted to perform a scene flight because of the extent of the patient’s injuries. Lifesaver 4 was outbound to UAB Trauma at 1:40 p.m. Monday, and all local units returned to service.
Coosa EMS extends its appreciation to Kellyton Fire & Rescue for its help in not only extricating the patient, but also assisting with providing patient care. The agency also thanks all other agencies who played a significant role in patient care, carrying her several hundred yards and with extrication of resources from “deep within the woods.”
Coosa EMS recognized the “great teamwork by all involved” and offered its prayers for the patient’s quick recovery.
