Rescue teams perform two river rescues in two different counties
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FORT HALL — Search and rescue teams have been busy performing river rescues this week. Below are news releases about two separate incidents.
Fort Hall
At 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Fort Hall Fire and EMS responded to the Bottoms area of the Fort Hall Reservation near Broncho Road to assist Fort Hall Fish and Game on the report of a male in his 60s who had fallen into the water while fishing.
The gentleman sustained injuries to his knee and was in the water for more than an hour before he was able to contact Fish and Game Officer Tom Wadworth. Wadsworth was able to locate the gentleman and guided the rescue crew to a staging area. Portneuf Air Rescue was dispatched to assist. Fort Hall Fire launched the Swift Water Team who retrieved the man 200 yards downstream.
According to Fire Chief Eric King, “The gentleman was quickly assessed and prepared for extraction, using an inflatable rescue raft and stokes basket. The team safely brought the gentleman back to the staging area where he was flown to the Portneuf Medical Center by classic air rescue for further treatment.”
There is no further information to provide at this time.
Jefferson County
On Wednesday, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call just before noon. A 21-year-old male was stuck on an island in the Snake River.
The man was wearing wading boots and had slipped on rocks, falling into the water. When he was able to gather himself, the water had pulled him to the opposite side of the river.
Rescuers were able to deploy an inflatable raft to get the man back across the river to safety. He was checked out at the scene and not transported.
Jefferson County, Bonneville County, Central Fire QRU and Tech Rescue and Idaho Falls Ambulance responded.
“Every year, even the most experienced park visitors become victims to deceptively strong currents, cold water temperatures and unexpected changes in depth,” according to the National Park Service. The Service offers several safety tips to help people enjoy Idaho’s waterways safetly.