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SLEDDING ACCIDENT INITIATES TECHNICAL RESCUE

For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2021
Contact:
George Hedebeck
Captain, PIO
Spokane Valley Fire
509-638-3320
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SLEDDING ACCIDENT INITIATES TECHNICAL RESCUE
Spokane Valley Fire saves woman on popular sled hill
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Spokane Valley Fire Department responded at 10:31 am on Dec 21st to the 11100 block of E Mission, Valley Mission Park, for a sledding accident. Callers to 911 stated a woman had crashed into a tree, and fractured her leg.
The first arriving unit, Squad 8 from Pinecroft Station, confirmed an adult female had struck a tree, and began medical care with the on-scene AMR Paramedic for a significant leg injury. Due to the icy conditions and the location of the patient on the hill, the technical rescue team was requested to bring the patient back up the hill to the awaiting ambulance.
First arriving members of the Special Operations Team, assumed Command and began establishing anchor points and a haul system using ropes, a Stokes basket, and mechanical advantage to ‘toboggan’ the patient back up the hill. This exact scenario had been planned and practiced twice in the last three weeks by the members of the team in expectation of wintery conditions.
A total of two Engines, a Ladder truck, Squad 8, and two command vehicles were dispatched, bringing 14 firefighters to the scene. The patient was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The Special Operations Team consists of twenty-six members of Spokane Valley Fire trained in Swift Water Rescue and boat operations, Rope Rescue and High Angle Systems, Trench Rescue, and Confined Space Rescue.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department understands that sledding is extremely fun part of the winter season. We would like to remind our citizens that the sudden stop, sometimes into a tree, car, or other hard object is no fun at all. Please be safe. Wear a helmet, and check the area below for any obstacles before hitting the slopes.


About Spokane Valley Fire Department
The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 125,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2020, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics responded to more than 18,700 emergency calls.
Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau
Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.