Hiker rescued from Buzzard Rock Trail

On Monday, May 11, 2020 at just after 12:00 pm, the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (WCFR) were dispatched to the George Washington National Forest – Buzzard Rock Trail for a reported hiker who sustained a broken ankle and needed assistance off the trail.

Photos courtesy of Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Service units arrived on the scene determine that a 34-year-old female sustained a traumatic injury approximately 4 miles into the trail. Initial rescuers began to hike the trail via foot in attempt to locate the injured hiker while additional resources assembled to assist in the rescue. After approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, rescuers were met by the husband of the injured hiker who was able to direct the rescuers to her location. Rescuers were able to locate and access the injured hiker in less than 2 hours and began treatment of the injury.

Based on the physical location of the patient, conditions of the trail and nature of the injury, it was determined that it would be best to extract the patient by way of the Shaw Gap Trail. Rescuers, with assistance from the patient’s husband, utilized a variety of methods to extract and/or assist the hiker of the mountain. WCFR rescuers were intercepted by a rescue team from Shenandoah County/Fort Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue to assist in the extraction of the hiker. It took rescuers just over 3 hours to extract the patient to an awaiting ATV which transported the hiker to an awaiting ambulance. The patient was evaluated, treated and refused transportation to the local hospital. The patient self-transported to a medical facility where she was diagnosed with a fractured left ankle.

In total, rescuers hiked a total of 7.5 miles of mountain trails with an elevation gain of 1,692 feet. All crews were clear of the mountain and returned in service by 6:30 pm. A total of 17 personnel responded to the scene.

Units on the call:

• North Warren Medic 10
• Fortsmouth Ambulance 8
• South Warren Ambulance 3
• South Warren Rescue Engine 3
• Shenandoah Shores Gator 5
• WCFR Chief 100
• WCFR Fire Marshal 1
• Shenandoah County – Fort Valley VFD