Honolulu Firefighter Injured in 30-foot Fall from Rescue Basket
Sept. 02--A Honolulu firefighter was in stable condition today after sustaining injuries in a 30-foot fall from a rescue basket at Diamond Head State Monument.
Honolulu Fire Department personnel immediately attended to the firefighter at about 9:50 a.m., treating him for injuries while awaiting HPD's Air 1 helicopter. The firefighter was flown to a landing zone where he was treated and transported to a hospital. He is reported to be alert and in stable condition, according to an HPD news release.
The accident occurred while firefighters were assisting a hiker who was experiencing a medical emergency at the top of the Diamond Head Crater trail. HFD personnel had hiked to the patient's location and loaded him into a helicopter rescue basket for extrication.
While the basket was being lifted by the Air 1 helicopter, it "contacted a utility pole causing the firefighter to become dislodged from the basket and fall approximately 30 feet to the ground," according to the release. The patient remained in the basket and was transported to a landing zone.
Fire Chief Manuel P. Neves said in the release that HFD will conduct an investigation of the accident and provide more information when it becomes available.
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