MedFlight stresses water safety after man rescued from dam along Appomattox River
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — First responders with MedFlight are stressing the importance of river and water safety throughout the year after their team rescued a man who fell off a dam. According to Chesterfield County Fire and EMS officials, crews responded to the 21400 block of Penmar Drive for a man who had fallen off a dam along the Appomattox River near the John J. Radcliffe Recreation area. PREVIOUS: Injured man rescued after falling from dam on Appomattox River in Chesterfield Officials received the call at 4:40 p.m. and, during their response, crews found the area was difficult to access -- so they called in MedFlight, a partnership between Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Virginia State Police. 8News had the chance to speak to the pilot who was operating the helicopter during the time of the rescue. "We got a picture of the scene from the incident commander and we looked at some satellite imagery and determined that there were a few places out there that we could likely land the helicopter and load the patient," said Andrew Baity, aircraft pilot for the Virginia State Police Aviation Division. Baity explained that he and the two Chesterfield Fire and EMS flight paramedics first flew over the area and examined it, looking for appropriate obstacle clearances to land in accordance with the winds and also ensuring they had appropriate power. MORE FROM MEDFLIGHT: Chesterfield firefighters rescue injured hiker from Devil’s Marbleyard in Rockbridge County The team then landed on a rock and had to reconfigure the helicopter allowing for the seat to come out, sliding the litter -- or rescue basket -- forward to give way for the patient to be loaded on. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS) (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS) (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS) (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS) The man was transferred to Chippenham Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Baity is reminding folks who frequent rivers and other bodies of water to remember these tips no matter the season. "We deal with it on the James River, we deal with it with the Appomattox [River]," he said. "So knowing the water levels, knowing the area that you're going into, making a plan, communicating that plan to a loved one or friends -- so that, if you don't come back in a timely fashion, we know to start [a] search." MORE FROM MEDFLIGHT: Injured hiker rescued by helicopter after jumping from cliff into Saint Mary’s River Baity adds understanding signage and obstacles, wearing appropriate footwear and having a flotation device is also advised. "If you do, unfortunately, have an accident, that's okay — that's what we're here for," Baity said. "Call for help [and] call early, and make sure that we can come assist you if you need it."
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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — First responders with MedFlight are stressing the importance of river and water safety throughout the year after their team rescued a man who fell off a dam.
According to Chesterfield County Fire and EMS officials, crews responded to the 21400 block of Penmar Drive for a man who had fallen off a dam along the Appomattox River near the John J. Radcliffe Recreation area.
PREVIOUS: Injured man rescued after falling from dam on Appomattox River in Chesterfield
Officials received the call at 4:40 p.m. and, during their response, crews found the area was difficult to access -- so they called in MedFlight, a partnership between Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Virginia State Police.
8News had the chance to speak to the pilot who was operating the helicopter during the time of the rescue.
"We got a picture of the scene from the incident commander and we looked at some satellite imagery and determined that there were a few places out there that we could likely land the helicopter and load the patient," said Andrew Baity, aircraft pilot for the Virginia State Police Aviation Division.
Baity explained that he and the two Chesterfield Fire and EMS flight paramedics first flew over the area and examined it, looking for appropriate obstacle clearances to land in accordance with the winds and also ensuring they had appropriate power.
The team then landed on a rock and had to reconfigure the helicopter allowing for the seat to come out, sliding the litter -- or rescue basket -- forward to give way for the patient to be loaded on.
(Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
(Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
(Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
(Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
The man was transferred to Chippenham Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Baity is reminding folks who frequent rivers and other bodies of water to remember these tips no matter the season.
"We deal with it on the James River, we deal with it with the Appomattox [River]," he said. "So knowing the water levels, knowing the area that you're going into, making a plan, communicating that plan to a loved one or friends -- so that, if you don't come back in a timely fashion, we know to start [a] search."
Baity adds understanding signage and obstacles, wearing appropriate footwear and having a flotation device is also advised.
"If you do, unfortunately, have an accident, that's okay — that's what we're here for," Baity said. "Call for help [and] call early, and make sure that we can come assist you if you need it."
