Syracuse Firefighters Perform Rope Rescue

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On January 9, 2023, at 10:08 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the 911 center to a possible person that had fallen from the Dickerson St. bridge near S. Clinton St., into Onondaga Creek Below. Initial reports were that the victim may have landed in the water. Firefighters from Station 1 (900 S. State St.) and Station 6 (601 S. West St.) were on scene in under 2 minutes. On their arrival, Firefighters found the patient had landed on the rocky bank of the creek and was unable to escape due to injuries sustained. Firefighters got to work assessing the situation and a plan to rescue the victim was initiated. Additional units and equipment were requested to the scene to assist with rescue efforts. Rescuers made their way to the victim, assessed injuries and packaged the patient. They then used ropes, a specially designed stretcher, and a stokes basket to carefully lift the victim up a steep embankment, to a waiting ambulance. The victim was transported to a local hospital, their condition is not known at this time.

Firefighters from the Rescue Company are certified rope rescue technicians and train often for situations like this. Incident locations that are below grade, with fast moving water nearby, in near freezing temperatures can create unique challenges for rescuers. Firefighters on the scene worked together seamlessly despite the hazards and were able to affect a rescue in a very short time.

In total, 17 firefighters responded to the scene, including command and support staff. We thank our partners at the 911 Center, Syracuse Police, and AMR.