Injured Hiker Rescued by First Responders

Emergency responders from Branson Fire Rescue and Taney County Ambulance District responded to Lakeside Forest Saturday afternoon for an injured hiker on the trail below the stone stairwell.

According to a post from the Branson MO Fire-Rescue Facebook Page, firefighters packaged the patient into a stokes basket and used a ropes lowering system to  move the hiker to the fire department’s water rescue boat.  Firefighters used the boat to take the patient upstream to the Cooper Creek Access where Taney County Ambulance District Paramedics assumed patient care and transport to a local hospital.

Branson Firefighters spend time each year updating pre-plans for all parks and hiking trails in the city with a focus on identifying access points to safety assist lost or injured hikers.  Hikers are encouraged to hike in pairs, to have plenty of water, and a cell phone to call for assistance if needed.

(From Branson MO Fire-Rescue)