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Poughkeepsie Lawn Mower Accident Leads To Dramatic High-Angle Rescue

A Hudson Valley man was rescued by firefighters and EMS after he rolled his lawn mower down a steep embankment.

Firefighters rescue the injured man.

Firefighters rescue the injured man.

Photo Credit: Arlington Fire District

The incident took place in Dutchess County around 4:20 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18 in the town of Poughkeepsie.

According to Arlington Fire Chief William Steenbergh, the fire department responded to a report of an injured man who had rolled his lawn mower down a steep embankment on Cardinal Road.

Paramedic Engine 32-15 arrived on the scene and found the man approximately halfway down a steep embankment in the rear of a single-family home. Due to the steep slope of the embankment, it was not possible to safely move the patient from the location in which he was found, Steenbergh said.

Additional resources were called to the scene, including specially trained rope rescue technicians, who were on duty elsewhere in the district. While these additional resources were en route, firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics were able to access the man and immediately began advanced life support treatment. 

The man was conscious and alert, with potentially life-threatening internal injuries, as well as a head injury, Steenbergh said.

With the arrival of the rope rescue team members, a rope system was established to allow the man to be lowered down the remaining embankment and then carried to an awaiting ambulance. 

The man was extricated in less than 45 minutes from the arrival time of the first Arlington apparatus, Steenbergh said.

He was transported to Mid Hudson Regional Hospital by Mobile Life Support, with Arlington paramedics continuing to oversee his medical care.

The man's current condition was not known. 

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 

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