Multi-Agency Search And Rescue Of Injured Hiker In Bankhead National Forest

LAWRENCE COUNTY-At approximately 3:48 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, Lawrence County Central 911 received an emergency call regarding an injured hiker in the Bankhead National Forest.

A group of hikers had located another hiker who had fallen down a hillside into a creek and sustained an ankle injury. One of the hikers was able to hike out of the area and obtain cellular service to contact 911.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Search & Rescue Team was activated. At approximately 4:40 p.m., rescue crews located the injured hiker after hiking into the area. Responders provided medical aid and worked together to safely extricate the patient from the woods.

The hiker had reportedly slipped on muddy terrain following a recent thunderstorm and had been crawling for approximately an hour before being located by the other hikers.

Sheriff Sanders would like to thank all of the agencies and personnel who assisted with today’s rescue. The quick response and cooperation between these agencies were instrumental in locating and safely bringing the injured hiker out of the Bankhead National Forest.

Lawrence County Central 911

Lawrence County EMA

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office / RAT-SAR

Lawrence County EMS

Morgan County Rescue Squad

Winston County Search & Dive

Ashridge Fire Rescue

Blackwater Search & Rescue

U.S. Forest Service