Photos provided
Dunlap and Pikeville Fire Departments responded with their rope rescue teams to a mutual aid request from Piney Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday around noon. Two people fell off an embankment on the Paw Paw Trail at Fall Creek Falls.
Piney responded with Fall Creek Falls Fire Department, Van Buren County EMS, and Fall Creek Falls State Park rangers before calling Dunlap and Pikeville for help.
Park rangers found a man and a child. Both were injured and needed to be carried out.
The best route out was up the Cable Trail. Dunlap Fire Department and Pikeville Fire Department—TN rope teams responded with manpower and equipment to assist Piney’s rope team. Spencer Fire Rescue and White County Fire Department South Group were requested for manpower. Sequatchie County Rescue Squad was requested for a rehab unit. Van Buren County Sheriff’s also had deputies respond and assist.
A rope system was set up to haul the patients up the Cable Trail. It took 2.5 hours to set up and get the father and son out to EMS.
All units worked well together for an extensive rescue in hot and humid conditions.
