[Update: Good News] BREAKING NEWS: Medical Rescue for Subject in the Eel River Near the Confluence
Multiple agencies are responding to a medical rescue near the confluence of the main stem and south fork of the Eel River just after 2 p.m. on March 4. Scanner traffic indicates a subject wearing a blue shirt is “hanging on to the river bar.”
State Parks personnel is on scene near the scene at exit 663, while Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department deputies are en route. Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue, City Ambulance, Myers Flat Fire, and Scotia Fire have been requested as well.
Scanner traffic indicated that the subject could be seen across the river and may be accessed by the Mattole Road side of the river.
An additional request has been made for Eel River Valley Technical Rescue to respond to the incident.
Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.
Update 2:24 p.m.: All incoming units except for one rescue unit and City Ambulance have been cancelled per HCSO who has arrived at scene.
Scanner traffic indicates a single subject is in the river at the bottom of a steep embankment, unable to climb out on their own.
Update 2:36 p.m.: Our photojournalist, Lauren Johnson, is on scene reporting that officials say that a male subject had fallen into the water. Emergency personnel were able to get him safely on shore. He is currently en route to a nearby hospital, though seems to be well according to officials at the scene.
Swift actions from emergency personnel result in the safe recovery of a male subject who had fallen in the Eel River. [Photo by Lauren Johnson]
All’s well that ends well. [Photo by Lauren Johnson]
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
That’s gonna be a good $10,000. dollar lesson. ambulance alone may be $10,000.
hopefully they have excellent insurance!!!!!!!!!!!
30k for ambulance and ER visit.
This is a very good point. In a case like this if the involved subject feels capable and able to care for themselves there is no need to go with the ambulance. There is an assumption that if someone called an ambulance and the ambulance personnel assist you and hustle you into their vehicle you have to go with them. You don’t. They are a private company looking to make money. You are a responsible individual and have the right to refuse. I have seen this so many times over the years where the ambulance crew just leads people to their vehicle and move forward with the expected process while the patient is being compliant and doing what is asked. The “victim” usually views the ambulance as part of the government funded web of first responders, it’s not. It is a money making privately owned enterprise.
This comment is in no way intended to degrade or criticize the heroes and lifesavers who work as ambulance employees. They save lives daily and endure tragic scenes that most people couldn’t handle and I have nothing but admiration and respect for each and every one of them and applaud their efforts. It’s simply intended to point out a little glitch that has been a pet peeve of mine for years.
Medicaid covers the cost of emergency medical transportation for eligible individuals. An emergency is when your medical needs are immediate. Examples include having a heart attack or being seriously injured in a car accident.
If you or someone you care about ever needs a helicopter evacuation, call Cal Fire (if they are operating). They do not charge! It’s one part of what our taxes pay for.
Hypothermia just sitting in my living room…he must be near death
What was he doing there in the first place? Idiot award of the day goes to…well the days not over yet!
It is nice to read a story where the victim is rescued and will be fine. A HUGE thank you to all the first responders that swarmed that area to help the man up the steep embankment and transport him to the hospital.