Rafter On Spokane River Trapped Underwater
Incident #: 2012030817 Date of Incident: 7/21/2012 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief/Bruce Moline
Narrative:
At 12:56 P.M. on Saturday, July 21st, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department, Valley Fire Department along with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sherrif Dive Team and AMR Ambulance responded to a person trapped underwater below the Sandifur Bridge near People's Park. Apparently, two recreational rafters, one on an inner tube and the other in a raft, were approaching the center bridge support when the adult male in the raft entered the water. It was reported that this male was soon in distress and attempted to hang on to a nearby submerged log. Witnesses then described this male as being no longer visible above water. Spokane Fire Department Station 4 was the first to arrive from their station location at Riverside and Maple and confirmed that there was a patient submerged approximately 2 feet under water. The Spokane Fire Department Boat was launched at the "TJ Meenach" site and was soon on the scene supported by the other half of the Spokane Fire Department Water Team with kayaks from Station 16. Spokane Fire Department crews and Valley Fire crews both on the water, immediately began to attempt the retrieval of the patient but were met with challenges as the patient was pinned by a portion of the submerged log. Working from the boat, the Water Team Specialists used a chain saw and halligan bar to cut away the log that was preventing the patient from becoming free. This was a long process as this maneuver required extensive cuts on the log. Crews were above the operation on the bridge supporting the scene with ropes used to transfer this equipment to the Water Team below. As soon as enough log was cut away, the patient was freed and immediately transported to the nearby shore on the Fire Department boat. CPR was in progress as the patient was then transferred to the AMR ambulance crew who transported the patient to Deaconess Hospital. The other male individual was reported to be safe. The Spokane Police Department assisted the operation in the retrieval of some of the watercraft used between the two individuals and also controlled further movement of people floating on the river through this area while the operation was ongoing. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind all river recreationists that the river is often an unforgiving force. There are hidden dangers below the surface that can trap you such as brush, limbs and logs. River current can be very tricky. At the very least, please wear an approved personal flotation device.
Cause:
Unknown at this time. The incident is under investigation by the Spokane Police Department.
Damage:
N/A
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $0
Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1
End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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