Parachutist Rescued After Getting Caught 150 Feet Up In Tree

Firefighters and professional tree trimmers in Washington on Tuesday rescued a parachutist who became entangled in a tree 150 feet in the air.

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue shared on Facebook crews responded at around 2:49 p.m. on July 28 for a high-angle rescue of a parachutist who became entangled 150 feet up in a tree near Woodinville. After arriving in the area, they were led to the exact tree by bystanders who had called 911.

The parachutist was not injured, but they were unable to free themselves from the parachute. As the technical rescue team, which is “certified in tree climbing as part of high-angle rope rescue operations,” developed a rescue plan, High Cut Tree Service personnel offered assistance.

“Recognizing their specialized expertise in tree climbing and limbing, Incident Command coordinated with the company to allow one of its climbers to ascend the tree and remove branches, providing rescuers with faster and safer access to the patient,” the fire department said.

After creating a clear path, the High Cut climber descended and a rescuer then climbed up to the patient and secured them in a rescue system before cutting the patient free from the parachute.

The patient was safely lowered to the ground without injury.

“SRFR extends its sincere appreciation to the professionals from High Cut Tree Service for their willingness to assist and for their valuable contribution to a successful rescue,” the fire department said.