| At approximately 11:15 a.m., Amherst County Dispatch received an SOS signal from a satellite device reporting that an individual was experiencing weakness. Attempts to contact the person were unsuccessful. Amherst Fire & EMS, along with Pedlar Fire, were dispatched to the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Punchbowl Overlook. Recognizing the challenging terrain and the nature of the incident, additional units were requested to provide more manpower. Monelison Fire, Amherst Fire, Amherst Sheriff’s Office, and Glasgow Fire responded to assist.
Emergency crews began searching for the individual along the Appalachian Foot Trail. At approximately 1:02 p.m., after traveling about 3.5 miles, teams made contact with the patient. A request was made for a Virginia State Police helicopter to assist in lifting the patient out, but area storms prevented aerial support. Responders placed the patient in a stokes basket and began carrying them back to the waiting medic unit.
At around 3:02 p.m., all crews had exited the woods, and care was transferred to the medic team. The successful outcome of this incident highlights the effective teamwork among multiple agencies and the coordinated efforts managed by dispatch.
Photography Credits: Firefighter Luther of MVFD |
