[Video by Kirk Anderson - DrydenWire.com]
CHISAGO COUNTY (DrydenWire) - Members of the St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin (POLK COUNTY) technical rescue team were called in to assist with a high-angle rope rescue/helicopter rescue in Chisago County, MN, according to a press release from the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office.
Press Release
At approximately 2 pm Wednesday afternoon, the Chisago County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call originating in rural Franconia Township from a residence along the St. Croix River.
Initial call information indicated that a 74-year-old male had fallen down a cliff face greater than 50ft in height. The victim was believed to be bleeding and unconscious. Deputies and Shafer Franconia Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the scene.
As responding units arrived and began sizing up the scene, it was quickly determined this would be a difficult technical rescue with near vertical terrain in some places. A mutual aide request was sent to the Taylors Falls Fire Department & St. Croix Falls Fire Department, who have specialized equipment and training in technical rescues- specifically in difficult terrain evacuation.
Additional resources were also requested from a Life Link III medical helicopter and the Minnesota Air Rescue Team. MART is comprised of Minnesota State Patrol aviation Troopers and Saint Paul Fire Department Firefighters trained in aviation rescue.
The 3 local fire agencies worked together in rigging ropes and equipment to the victim. Lakes Region EMS staff and Shafer Franconia Fire & Rescue Firefighters tended to the victim as plans were established to hoist the victim, via helicopter, out of the valley he had landed in.
MART successfully hoisted the victim up to level ground to an awaiting LifeLink III medical helicopter where he was transferred to medical staff and flown to a local trauma center.
Thanks to the seamless efforts of the named agencies the victim is expected to survive.
-- Per Derek Anklan | Captain
Last Update: Jul 20, 2023 1:21 pm CDT
