Today at 11:04 am San Bernardino County Fire responded to reports of a woman that had fallen approximately 15-20 into a manhole. The first arriving engine confirmed that one adult female had fallen and was trapped. Firefighters immediately began to set up a technical rescue utilizing a 100-foot aerial ladder.
The Urban Search & Rescue team arrived and assisted in completing set up of a high point rope rescue system. A rescuer was lowered down to the patient to assess for injuries and begin treatment. The patient was then placed into a rescue harness and raised to safety. The patient was suffering from multiple musculoskeletal injuries and transported to a local trauma center for evaluation of moderate injuries.
The patient stated that she had fallen into the hole sometime last night. She was discovered when a passerby heard her screaming for help. Despite all the challenges faced, firefighters were able to safely rescue the patient in less than 90 minutes.
There are no reports of injuries to firefighters. Crews from the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department remained on-scene until the man-hole was secured.
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Location: 295 Carousel Mall, San Bernardino
Incident: Technical Rescue (BDC#: 24-290141)
Contact: Christopher Prater, Public Information Officer (909) 387-7517