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Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company uses ATVs to rescue injured hiker in deep woods

By Assistant Chief Bauer, KVFC

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Sunday August 29, 2021 the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company, Killingworth Ambulance Association and a Middlesex Health Paramedic were dispatched to a residence off of Route 81 near Pond Meadow Rd for the report of an injured person approximately 1 mile into the woods, behind a residence.

Based on this initial report, the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and Haddam Volunteer Fire Company were requested to respond with their all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to assist with the removal of the patient from the woods. Using the patient’s cell phone to obtain coordinates, KVFC personnel entered the woods with a family member on an ATV to perform an initial assessment of the patient. Based on the coordinates and a review of the local map Valley Shore Emergency Communications recommended an alternate access via a residence on North Parker Hill Rd which turned out to be a much better access point.

The incoming ATVs met up with KVFC and KAA personnel at the alternate address where they entered the woods and met up with the KVFC crew rendering aid to the patient. The patient was stabilized in a rescue basket, loaded into one of the ATVs and removed from the woods to the Killingworth Ambulance where the patient was transferred to and transported.

The KVFC would like to thank our mutual aid partners for the tremendous teamwork as well as the excellent support from Valley Shore and as always, the Killingworth Ambulance and Middlesex Health. This incident was a good reminder to always carry your cell phone when hiking or working in the woods as it provides us with a precise location that allows us to locate you more quickly in an emergency.

Photos by Assistant Chief Bauer, KVFC

Sharon Challenger
Sharon Challenger
I am a professional Scenic Artist and have also worked as a Systems Analyst and Senior Programmer Analyst for the Travelers and Yale University. Education: Post University, Wesleyan University and Yale University School of Drama.

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