07/29/2026
Technical Rope Rescue – Fern Creek Trail
July 25, 2026
On July 25, 2026, the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team was dispatched to assist with the rescue of an approximately 24-year-old female who had fallen an estimated 30 feet from the Fern Creek Trail. Initial reports indicated the patient was conscious and complaining primarily of shoulder and rib pain, along with a laceration to the head.
The Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team (FCVRT) arrived on scene and staged while gathering information from personnel already in contact with witnesses. Team members deployed with a litter, wheel, medical equipment, rope rescue systems, and patient packaging equipment. Information obtained from individuals familiar with the incident revealed that the patient was located approximately one-quarter mile upriver from the trail, at the base of a steep cliff.
Rescuers established voice contact with the patient from the top of the cliff while three rescue team members and two rangers from The National Park Service descended by trail to make patient access. FCVRT team constructed a two-rope lowering system utilizing independent main and belay lines to safely lower rescuers and medical equipment.
FCVR Team members and Rangers of the National Park Service were lowered approximately 170’ to begin patient packaging and extraction. To access the patient the liter and equipment was carried over difficult terrain.
Upon reaching the patient, a comprehensive trauma assessment was performed. The patient's injuries were evaluated, splinted, and treatment was initiated. She was carefully stabilized using a vacuum splint for movement. The patient was then packaged securely inside the rescue litter. The patient was then delicately carried from where she had fallen to the rope system where preparations began for the vertical evacuation.
FCVRT team member remained with the litter throughout the entire raise operation, providing continuous patient care while monitoring the patient's condition during the ascent.
Above, members of the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team operated a 4:1 mechanical advantage hauling system, completing multiple resets throughout the evolution because of the significant distance and elevation involved.
After the patient and rescuers reached the top of the cliff, the litter was transferred across the terrain to the Fern Creek parking area.
The patient was then loaded into the waiting ambulance and transported to Summersville Regional Medical Center (SRMC) for further evaluation and treatment.
Fayetteville Fire Department members: Dennis Miliam, Josh Davis, Ben Woodson, along with National Park Service Personnel Matt McQueen, Kathy Zerkle, Joseph Cornett and Ansted Fire Department Paramedic Tracey Gray initiated treatment at the base of the patient’s fall and carried patient to the rope system.
The remaining members worked together to raise the patient.
The operation required coordination between the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team, National Park Service personnel, Jan-Care Ambulance and supporting agencies. Through effective communication, technical rope rescue expertise, and coordinated medical care, the patient was safely removed from an otherwise inaccessible location and later transferred for definitive medical treatment.
