Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Child From Tree

Lakeside, CA -

On Friday, August 30, 2013, firefighters from the Lakeside Fire District were called to the 9200 block of Sombria Road in Lakeside for a child who had climbed to the top of a 30' tree and became stuck and unable to climb down. On the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview fire station), Captain Blane Darby took control of the scene and requested the Telesqurt aerial apparatus from Station 2 (River Park station). Firefighters had determined that ground ladders would not have been able to effectively reach the stranded child due to the height and branches obstructing a clear path.  

Engine 202s utilizing its aerial ladder

When Engine 202S arrived under the command of Acting Captain Chris Downing, apparatus Engineer Carl Chiodo spotted in the cul-de-sac and set up for an aerial rescue.  Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Raczka climbed the aerial ladder and then gave further instructions to Engineer Chiodo to expertly guide the tip of the ladder as close as possible to the child.  Firefighter/Paramedic Raczka then tied-off the child with webbing to prevent him from falling while he was carefully moved to the ladder.  After securing the child, Firefighter/Paramedic Raczka was able to pluck the child, who was growing increasingly fatigued from his harrowing adventure, from the branches. He then assisted the child down the ladder to the arms of his anxiously waiting parents. The child was not injured in the ordeal and swore off climbing trees for the rest of the summer.

Photo and Story by Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Raczka