JASPER COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - First responders were called to help a man who fell out of a tree stand near Dam B on Saturday.
Beech Grove VFD said they were dispatched at about 10:34 a.m. together with EMS for a report of a hunter who had fallen out of a tree in the Corps of Engineers Sandy Creek Park off of Park Road 5045.
Responders found him about one mile into thick woods, where access was limited due to downed timber, heavy undergrowth and marshy ground, the VFD said. Using chainsaws, firefighters cut a path for a UTV up to about 1/4 mile out.
Responders walked the rest of the way and carried the man back in a stokes basket. The VFD said he was conscious but injured and claimed he had fallen about 15 feet from a portable tree stand. The man reportedly said he had been lying on the ground for about 45 minutes before he was able to reach his phone and call for help.
The man was given initial care at the scene by firefighters and medics, then taken out of the woods in the UTV. He was moved to a hospital in Beaumont by medical helicopter.
The VFD said the equipment used to make this rescue possible was provided by community donors. They also thanked the 911 operators at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, park personnel and game wardens for assisting.