Spokane River Rescue
Incident #: 2013000084 Date of Incident: 01/01/2013 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
On Tuesday January 1st, 2013 at 11:45 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department with its Technical Rescue and Water Teams responded on a request from the Spokane Police Department to a person in distress in the Spokane River. Spokane Police had been pursuing suspects in a vehicle in the West Central Neighborhood when one of the suspects fled the stopped vehicle and jumped into the Spokane River near the Monroe Street Bridge. As the suspect struggled in the frigid waters, numerous Spokane Police officers were able to successfully pull him from the water to safety on shore just upriver from the Maple Street Bridge. As they waited for Fire Department arrival, the officers kept the suspect warm and dry with blankets and hot packs to keep him from developing hypothermia. Fire Department paramedics and firefighters continued treatment of the suspect and helped him walk to the top of the embankment where AMR ambulance was waiting for transport to Deaconess Hospital. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Dive Team was also in the response as was the Valley Fire Department Water Team for support. Once it was confirmed the suspect was warm, dry, stable and in custody, the response was canceled and turned over to the Spokane Police Department and Spokane Fire Department paramedics and firefighters.
With winter upon us, the water temperatures in the Spokane River are very cold. Water temperatures near the freezing mark can cause death in as little as 15 minutes. After just a few minutes in this kind of water, mental confusion and lack of muscle control take over and the exposed person is no longer able to swim. Please use caution when near the Spokane River.
Cause:
Suspect, while be pursued on foot, decided to jump into the Spokane River.
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $ 0
Other Agencies Responding:Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department,
End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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