On June 03, 2023, at 17:36 hours Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (SRFR) was dispatched mutual aid for a Swift Water Rescue (RESSW) for adult male fell in Canyon Creek in Granite Falls and hit their head. The victim was still in the water on the other side of the river from where he fell in. The reported address was 19700 Block of Canyon DR Granite Falls, WA. The initial dispatch requested SRFR Medic 81. Snohomish County Fire District #22 (Getchell Fire), Snohomish County Fir...e District 21, and Snohomish County Fire District 19 Hover Craft 94 also assisted mutual aid. Oso Fire Department stepped up and assisted with recovery as well! #osostrong!
Granite Falls Fire Engine 87 arrived and reported one male victim out of the water and on some rocks down in the canyon. Medic 81 arrived and climbed down a ladder to assess and treat the victim. Engine 87 balanced the call to a Technical High Angle Rescue (RESA). Battalion 81, Technical Rescue 5 from Everett Fire Department, and Ladder 62 from Marysville Fire District was added. Battalion 81 was assigned Rescue Group Supervisor. Ladder 62 was used to set up a high point, Rescue Technicians from Marysville Fire and Everett Fire set up a main and /belay line to lower a stokes basket down to Medic 81. The victim was packaged and raised up from the canyon. The victim was transported to Everett Providence Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
This high angle rescue was successful because eight departments and districts collaboratively train regularly and use common tactics and communication.
This summer we ask the public to take precautions when enjoying the waterways. Especially rivers! Study the river before you go down them by looking for currents, strainers (log jams and tree stumps), exit points, and river diversions along the route you plan to take. And always wear your lifejacket!
