Man rescued after being injured diving at Audra State Park
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AUDRA -- A man was transported by medical helicopter to Morgantown for treatment after a team of first responders performed a water rescue at Audra State Park Saturday afternoon.
The man, whose name has not been released, allegedly "dove off of a rock, striking his head on the riverbed causing a head injury, and was located on a rock in the middle of the river," according to a press statement by the Belington Volunteer Fire Department.
BVFD volunteers, along with members of the Philippi Volunteer Department, the Junior Volunteer Fire Department and the Barbour County Ambulance Authority, were dispatched to the state park about about 2:50 p.m.
Also aiding the situaion were the Coalton Volunteer Fire Department, the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department and the Beverly Volunteer Fire Department.
Responders "hiked approximately half a mile down the lower cave trail to reach the victim with the necessary equipment to perform the rescue," the statement reads. "Members established a rope haul system and utilized a ladder to transfer equipment back and forth and reach the patient safely.
"Paramedics on scene determined the patient would require evacuation via aeromedical helicopter and Trooper 5 with the Maryland State Police Aviation Unit was requested due to their hoisting capabilities," according to the statement. "The patient was packaged, provided with advanced life support care, hoisted to the helicopter and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment."
The BVFD statement also offered thanks to Barbour County 911, the West Virginia State Police, the Barbour County Sheriff's Department and the Audra Park Ranger for their assistance during the rescue.