BERWYN, PA - On Wednesday, June 26th, the Berwyn Fire Company was dispatched at 1:09 p.m. for an injured person near the Valley Forge National Historical Park Covered Bridge in Tredyffrin Township. Based on supplemental information provided by the Chester County 9-1-1 Center that the person had fallen into the creek, fire/rescue resources also responded to the incident.

Berwyn EMS arrived to find a victim in the middle of the creek between the Covered Bridge and Rt. 23. Due to the location of the victim, approximately 25 feet down a rocky embankment, firefighters set-up a rescue rope system for extraction. After the victim was safely moved up to the roadway via a stokes basket, they were transported by ambulance to Paoli Hospital in stable condition. Valley Forge Park Rangers also assisted at the scene with initial patient care.

The Tredyffrin Township Police Department and the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company Fire Police Unit provided traffic control on Valley Forge Rd. (Rt. 252). The roadway was closed due to emergency vehicles in the roadway as rescuers worked to remove the victim out of the creek.

All emergency units were clear of the scene before 2 p.m. This is a great example of the technical rescue services that Berwyn Fire Company provides to the community. Rope rescue services require extensive training and specialized equipment above basic fire and rescue disciplines.