Falmouth Rescues Jumper

At 18:15 hours Stafford E.C.C. dispatched a water rescue assignment for a subject threatening to jump off the Southbound span of Interstate 95 at the Rappahannock Falls Bridge. Engine, Rescue, Marine Support/Boat, and Chief 1 responded with 11 personnel. While enrounte communications advised responding units that the subject had jumped off the bridge into the Rappahannock River. Chief 1 then assigned all units, with the exception of Quint 12, to respond to the quarry off Wicklow Drive in the City of Fredericksburg for the best access point to the victim. Quint 12 arrived on the bridge to confirm one subject in the water still moving. Falmouth units arrived on scene at the quarry first and Chief 1 established the "River Command". Four Swiftwater Rescue Technicians from the MSU and Rescue 1 entered the water to begin the rescue process. The team found the patient breathing but suffering from life threatening injuries. Quint 12 then lowered a stokes litter 100' down to the water to the team and the patient was packaged for transport. The team then carried the patient back to the river bank and turned care over to E.M.S.. Medic 11 transported the patient to Mary Washington Hospital. Units returned to service in just over one hour.