(Helen)- It took approximately 30 personnel to assist and rescue a person who became sick on a popular White County hiking trail.  The six-hour incident began Sunday morning at Ravan Cliffs Trailhead. 

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said at approximately 11:30 AM, 911 dispatch received a call for female patient nausea and lethargic at the end of the trailhead at the falls.  According to Murphy the first team made contact with the patient and begin assessment at 12:43 PM.

“The patient was located at the top of the falls which is a  difficult location to access and the patient’s condition was going to provide rescuers with significant challenges,” said Murphy.   

Due to weather conditions, it was unsure if an aircraft could be used to assist in removing the patient from the top of the falls, that’s when additional personnel was summoned.   Six mutual aid personnel was requested from Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade 4 Towns County Fire personnel, 4 Union County Fire personnel, and one person from Habersham County.   Helen Fire, White County CERT, White County Fire Stations 3 & 7 along with EMS responded to the scene.

 While personnel was preparing to assist the victim out, the weather cleared and a Georgia State Patrol helicopter was able to lift the patient from the falls to an awaiting ambulance.  The patient was transported to North East Georgia Medical Center for treatment. 

“At 6:02 PM all responder teams were out of the woods, off the trail, and accounted for”, said Murphy.

WORDS OF CAUTION

Murphy shared words of caution for those planning outdoor activities to rugged terrain in the area.

“It is extremely important to know the area in which you plan to hike and be prepared for any emergencies that could occur,” Murphy said. “In our wilderness areas, there is a danger of all types, and while we enjoy having visitors to our area to enjoy the beauty, all need to be mindful of the rugged terrain and sometimes extreme conditions to which one may encounter. These incidents take several  personnel, specialized equipment and training, and lengthy manhours to complete.”