Learn how to save a life! According to the American Red Cross, “each year, more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in...
Media Releases
Recent Articles
Children and Window Safety
The weather is improving and many of us are opening the windows in our homes to enjoy the fresh air. Did you know that “every year almost 5,000...
NATIONAL EMS WEEK 2022: MAY 15-21, 2022
National EMS Week 2022: May 15 - 21, 2022 Please join us in recognizing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) professionals during EMS Week: May 15-21,...
SVFD FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE KAYAKERS FROM SPOKANE RIVER
For Immediate Release:
June 25th, 2020
Contact:
George Hedebeck
Captain/Public Information Officer
Spokane Valley Fire
509-319-6078
**********************************************
Valley Firefighters Rescue Kayakers from Spokane River
Mother and Son assisted after being stranded in the current and rocks
********************************************
Spokane Valley, Wash. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded at 8:33pm to a report of a two kayakers in need of help, just east of Mirabeau Park. The caller stated the woman was injured.
Firefighters located the pair on the north side of the river, standing in waist deep water. The female kayaker had gotten her foot caught and twisted in the under rubble of the river, injuring her ankle. SVFD water rescue teams quickly launched their kayaks. They were able to get the woman and her 14 y/o son safely to the shore, and assisted with a ride back to their vehicle. The woman was not transported for her injuries. This incident could have been much worse if the pair had not been wearing life jackets.
A total of 12 apparatus, command and support vehicles responded to the scene, including Spokane Fire Department water rescue crews and American Medical Response. No first responder injuries were reported.
Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind citizens that different seasons of the river present unique challenges. High fast spring currents can quickly separate you from your party, and lower late season water flows can trip you up and trap you in the under rubble and bushes; but, life jackets will help year-round!
About SVFD
Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 125,000, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas within the 75-square miles of Spokane County Fire District 1. In 2019, SVFD firefighter crews, including its paramedics and EMTs, responded to more than 18,326 emergency calls.
Established eighty years ago in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and by the fire district’s ISO Class 2 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 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.