Police pursuit results in unique measures by Firefighters to remove a subject from the Dumbarton Rail Bridge

Menlo Park Firefighters received a request from Menlo Park Police Officers at 11:40 am Monday morning to assist them in removing a male subject from the Dumbarton Rail Bridge over Highway 101.

An Engine, Truck, Rescue and Battalion Chief from the Fire District were dispatched as part of a technical rescue response and directed to stage along North Bound Highway 101 under the Rail Bridge that crosses over Highway 101 between Willow and Marsh Roads.

The male subject was located on a supporting concrete platform just below the rail deck, but 12 feet above the roadway. Using three ground ladders, stokes liter basket and basic rope system, Firefighters used an improvised ladder slide to lower the man off of the Rail Bridge abutment after first securing him in the stokes basket once a Fire Paramedic assessed his condition.

The man was loaded into awaiting ambulance and transported to Chope Hospital for further observation. Traffic was slightly disrupted during the 30 minute operation but all Fire Units cleared the scene by 12:17 pm.

Photo courtesy of Menlo Fire