Flagler County, Fla. – On Thursday afternoon, a hunter who slipped from a tree stand deep within the county’s 40,000-acre wilderness was saved by a swift, coordinated effort from the Flagler County Fire Department. The incident highlights the department’s preparedness and the critical role of modern dispatch technology in rural emergency responses.
Rapid call and deployment
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a family member placed an emergency call after learning that their relative had fallen from a tree stand in a remote, swamp‑filled area of the county. Flagler County Fire Battalion Chief Brady Barry confirmed the call was unusual for the department, noting, “We don’t normally see this type of call, but we do prepare.”
Within minutes, the department launched its aircraft, nicknamed “Firefight,” to get rescue crews as close as possible to the hunter’s location. The helicopter’s ability to navigate the dense, rugged terrain proved essential for the operation.
On‑scene medical care
Once the rescue team reached the site, a medic disembarked and began a challenging trek through the swamp woods to reach the injured hunter. “Once the medic was able to get off, he was able to hike into the woods. Very rough, rugged swamp woods area to get to the patient,” Barry explained.
The medic provided advanced life support while the rest of the crew worked to extract the hunter. The entire rescue effort, from the initial call to the hunter’s safe removal, took roughly two to three hours, with the medic and team reaching the victim in just 45 minutes.
Technology and teamwork
Chief Barry emphasized the indispensable role of the Flagler County Communications Center. “Our communications team over in the Flagler County Communications Center were able to get us close, and without their knowledge and ability to triangulate the position for the patient, we wouldn’t have gotten there in the time that we did,” he said.
The successful outcome underscores the department’s ongoing training, investment in aerial assets, and the seamless coordination between dispatchers, pilots, medics, and ground crews.
Recovery and community impact
Flagler County Fire officials reported that the hunter is expected to make a full recovery. The incident serves as a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of safety equipment, proper communication plans, and the value of local emergency services.
Residents praised the department’s rapid response, noting that the rescue reinforces confidence in the county’s ability to protect those who venture into its expansive natural areas. As Flagler County continues to balance growth with the preservation of its wilderness, stories like this illustrate the vital role of first responders in safeguarding both locals and visitors.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
