A hunter has reportedly fallen from a tree stand and needs medical attention in a wooded area behind the residence at 4314 Gilhooly Road, Alexander.
The hunter appears to be on a mobile phone and directing dispatchers as to his location, which is south of the residence and south of a creek at that location.
Alexander Fire Department and ambulance along with Mercy EMS are responding.
Mercy Flight is on standby.
UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene. Alexander's Gator requested to the scene.
UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: Patient fell about 20 feet. Mercy Flight has a 12-minute ETA. Bethany Fire Department requested mutual aid.
UPDATE 7:20 p.m. (Billie): Mercy Flight landed about 15 minutes ago and loaded the patient, a man who medics say had deformity to both collarbones as a result of his fall.
UPDATE 7:27 p.m. (Billie): Mercy Flight is headed to ECMC and Bethany fire is back in service.
I don't understand why there
I don't understand why there are hunters out there that refuse to wear safety harnesses in their tree stands.
It really makes no sense. Lots of people get hurt every year from tree stand falls.
Not to mention, when you're harnessed in, you actually have more of a range of mobility because you can use the harness and anchor rope to allow yourself to lean and stand in postures that you wouldn't be able to get into without being attached to the tree.
Hope this guy gets better quickly, and wisens up for next year's deer season.
Jason, I know this man
Jason, I know this man personally, I have been hunting with him for years and I can assure you he always wears a harness. He has always been a responsible, safe hunter and it is disturbing to think someone would take this as an opportunity to criticize. When climbing up to your stand or when descending the tree, you are not hooked into the safety strap. A harness is great if you are in the stand and every hunter should use one. This situation however was just bad luck and a missed step that led to this horrible accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Please be careful with your comments as there are a lot of family and friends that read the Batavian. We all agree hunters need to be cautious, but this is most definitely not the time or the place to make judgements without all of the facts.
Thanks for weighing in, Mark.
Thanks for weighing in, Mark. Good comment.
Mark - Thanks for the update.
Mark - Thanks for the update. I apologize for the criticism, I should have used a more appropriate venue for it. Like I said before, I wish this man a complete recovery.