Ansted Fire Department

Ansted Fire Department Ansted Fire Department

Members of the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team- a unified team comprised of multiple members from Fayette County fir...
06/11/2026

Members of the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team- a unified team comprised of multiple members from Fayette County fire departments were dispatched to a challenging operation involving a patient who suffered an open fracture of the leg while deep within steep, mountainous terrain where conventional access was impossible. The seriousness of the injury, combined with the remote location, required the immediate response of the Special Operations Team and the use of advanced rope rescue techniques to safely reach, treat, and remove the patient.
From the parking lot of apparatus to the patient’s location an ETA of an hour and 11 minutes.
Rescuers traversed difficult terrain carrying both medical and technical rescue equipment to make patient contact. Upon assessment, the team identified a significant open fracture requiring immediate stabilization, pain management, hemorrhage control, infection prevention with administration of IV antibiotics and careful packaging to prevent further injury. The rugged terrain and distance from any roadway meant that a traditional carry-out was not an option.

To safely move the patient, rescuers designed and operated three separate telpher line systems and steep scree techniques across the mountainside. Each system required careful rigging, safety checks, and seamless coordination between rescue personnel.

Throughout the operation, medical providers continuously monitored and treated the patient while rope technicians managed the complex movement of both patient and equipment through the challenging environment.

The extraction required hours to complete. Team members worked tirelessly in physically demanding conditions, negotiating steep slopes, rocky terrain, and multiple obstacles while ensuring the patient remained secure and received uninterrupted medical care. Every phase of the rescue demanded sound judgment, and exceptional teamwork.

Despite the complexity of the incident and the severity of the patient's injuries, the Special Operations Team successfully delivered the patient to CSX high roller. The CSX vehicle delivered the patient to awaiting ambulance for transport to definitive care.

The operation stands as a testament to the team's advanced training, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to preserving life under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable.
Thank you to everyone who assisted in this incident.

We would like to take time to send prayers and condolences to Assistant Chief Joel Fernett of the Fayetteville Fire Dept...
05/04/2026

We would like to take time to send prayers and condolences to Assistant Chief Joel Fernett of the Fayetteville Fire Dept, and family, on the passing of his father Greg Fernett. Greg was a great man that had a passion to help coach and mentor the kids of Fayette County in sport. Greg could be seen on many playing fields and courts as an official. Greg mentored a great deal of other referees on how to be the best they could be. As a newly elected Fayette County Commissioner, Greg was a great friend to the fire service. This great loss is not only felt by his family, but kids' athletics, the fire service, and Fayette Co. as a whole. Please join us in lifting up the Fernett family in prayer. Gods speed Greg.

05/03/2026

Address

Ansted, WV
25812

Telephone

304-658-4394

Website

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