[PHOTOS] Thrilling Cliffside Helicopter Rescue in West Point
It took the coordinated skill of the West Point Professional Firefighters as well as a helicopter pilot to safely evacuate a man who had reportedly fallen down a cliff in Orange County, NY.
Hailed by local residents and first responder professionals alike as an "incredible" display of skill and teamwork, what may be the most impressive fact of all is how quickly the entire operation was completed.
Coordinated Cliffside Rescue in West Point, NY
"The West Point Fire Department (WPFD) was dispatched to a male off a cliff at the rappel site off Route 293", the WPFD shared on Facebook. The massive cliff face was roughly ten stories tall, and required rescue workers to be lowered down to the victim before being raised back up to a waiting helicopter.
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"Time from arrival on scene to patient transfer to EMS was 16 min", shared the WPFD (below). High praise also came from West Point's fire chief after the rescue.
Fire Chief Reacts to West Point, NY Rescue
"I’m incredibly proud of our team’s performance during the recent rescue operation. From start to finish, incident commanders communications were flawless (despite radio coverage issues or cell service issues in the area), showcasing the highest level of professionalism and coordination", commented Matthew Woods, listed as Interim Deputy Director of Emergency Services & Fire Chief at USAG West Point, NY on LinkedIn.
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Appreciation was also extended to the Highland Falls and Cornwall Fire Departments for their assistance. It was at least the second cliffside rescue in the Hudson Valley in the month of July, with the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) reporting a rescue following a 40-foot fall in the Catskills on July 8th.
From helicopter extractions to animal rescues (below), there seems to be no such thing as a "regular" day in the life of a Hudson Valley first responder. Keep scrolling to see more photos from recent operations.
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Gallery Credit: Conor Walsh