Christine White-Ziegler: NFD pros in trail rescue

Published: 03-29-2023 6:39 PM

I am yet another reader to send in my heartfelt thanks to the Northampton Fire Department. It has been several weeks since my spectacular fall (well, the fall was not spectacular, but the fractures were!) on a trail at Fitzgerald Lake. My husband and I were very thankful for their speed, professionalism, and caring in getting me out of the woods.

From the start, the 911 operator utilized our cell phone to ping our location, get pertinent information from my husband, and kept in contact with us until the NFD arrived. Literally, I think it was only 10 minutes for them to arrive at the trailhead, another 15 to get to the point where I was located. Once with me, they treated me with thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a good sense of humor that helped distract me from the events. The rescue group had clearly trained well for just such an occasion, efficiently checking me out, providing me with painkillers, and scooping me onto a stretcher that four of them carried to the main trail. Their actions were synchronized and well communicated to provide me with a smooth and secure carry. It was so well orchestrated that their training and experience were clearly evident. Once they reached the main trail, they loaded me into a beefed up ATV with a place for a stretcher and a seat for the paramedic. I must admit the hand carry was smoother, but the motorized help was a much better option for the longer distance to get to the awaiting ambulance. I later found out I had multiple fractures in my tibia so there was no way I was walking out on that leg; it has since been repaired with a plate and multiple screws. While I will never recommend that you have such an adventure in our local woods, do know that you will be well cared for by our local rescue team!

Christine White-Ziegler

Florence

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