Fire crews use off-road unit to rescue unconscious victim in remote wooded area

MANCHESTER, N.J. — A dramatic remote-area rescue unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Greenwood Forest, where first responders from Station 33 were dispatched to extract an unconscious individual located deep in rugged terrain near Hidden Lakes.

Emergency personnel were dispatched at approximately 4:23 p.m. to a report of a person down near the water and roughly 25 feet down an embankment. The terrain proved challenging — several emergency vehicles had already become disabled trying to reach the site.

The incident led to the first deployment of UTV Unit 3307, which was activated along with Chief 3300, Assistant Chief 3310, Second Assistant Chief 3320, and Brush 3339. The UTV unit was able to reach the victim and transport medics and Whiting Fire personnel directly into the remote scene.

Rescuers made contact with the patient, provided aid, and completed extrication. UTV 3307 then transported the victim, along with EMS and fire personnel, to a waiting ambulance on Pasadena Road. Additional crew members were transported out of the area by Brush 3339.

The patient was subsequently moved to a landing zone secured by Capt. 3330, Engine 3301, Tanker 3318, and Utility 3327, before being airlifted to a trauma center.

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