Ridgeland Fire Department rescues man who fell 15 feet

RIDGELAND — A worker at a water treatment facility fell 15 feet into a holding container on Tuesday and had to be rescued.

Ridgeland Fire Chief Matt Bailey said that the patient was rescued and sent to a local hospital with what they believed to be minor injuries to his ribs.

“I was not there but my guys say it looked like he sustained only minor injuries to his ribs. I know he was alert and talking when we got to him and got him on his way,” Bailey said

Three units from the RFD including Engine 3, Rescue 1, Training 1 responded to a report of a fall at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant off of Spillway Road. The Ridgeland Police Department and Pafford EMS responded as well.

The subject fell a reported 15 feet into an area only accessible by ladder. Bailey said it was a large holding container and that the patient fell when he stepped on an insecure grate.

RFD crews quickly entered the area to evaluate the patient. Utilizing rope rescue training techniques, the patient was packaged in a stokes basket and lifted out of the confined area. Bailey described the event as a “routine extraction” for them.

The patient was then handed off to Pafford EMS for continued medical care. 

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim for a quick recovery,” Bailey said.