Southington, CT – A hiker suffered a lower leg injury along an icy ridgeline near Wassel Reservoir, prompting a swift technical rescue by the Southington Fire Department on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
At 12:35 p.m., emergency crews mobilized after a 911 call provided coordinates of the victim’s location off Caretaker Road.
The department dispatched Car 4, Truck 1, Squad 5, Squad 1, UTV 1, and UTV 2. A police drone unit assisted in pinpointing the hiker’s position.
Firefighters from Truck 1 climbed the steep, snow-covered cliff to reach the injured individual, who was found lying near the reservoir’s edge.
Crews stabilized the hiker and secured them in a stokes basket.
Simultaneously, a rope rescue system was assembled to lower both the patient and a firefighter to the ground. The technical operation, from arrival to patient transfer, lasted approximately an hour. The hiker was handed over to AMR ambulance personnel and transported to New Britain General Hospital for further evaluation.
The Southington Fire Department’s precision response stemmed from years of specialized training. In 2019, the agency secured a FEMA grant to advance its rope rescue capabilities.
A contribution from the Ragged Mountain Foundation also funded essential technical gear, enhancing efficiency in high-angle rescues.
Tuesday’s incident underscored the necessity of such expertise. Winter conditions, unstable terrain, and the complexity of extrication demanded seamless coordination. Despite the hazards, first responders executed the rescue with efficiency, ensuring the injured hiker’s safety.
For additional details, Fire Chief Eric Heath is available at (860) 621-3202 ext. 8120 or via email at eheath@southington.org.
