Woman Rescued From Domestic Well After Two Hours in Water
Fire District 3 and Central Point police used a ladder and haul system to bring the woman to safety after an old plywood well cover gave way.
AT A GLANCE
Fall: Approximately 20 feet into a domestic well
Water: About 12 feet of standing water
Time trapped: Roughly two hours before 911 was notified
Rescue: Ladder and haul system used to bring the woman to the surface
Rescue time: Approximately 30 to 35 minutes
Injuries: Minor injuries reported
Cause: An old, unsupported plywood well cover gave way
Below Ground: A rescuer works near the woman inside the well, where Fire District 3 said approximately 12 feet of standing water was present. Jackson County Fire District 3.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A woman who fell approximately 20 feet into a domestic well and landed in 12 feet of standing water was rescued Wednesday after spending about two hours trapped below ground.
Jackson County Fire District 3 said the woman fell when an old, unsupported piece of plywood covering the well inside a small well house gave way beneath her.
She remained in the well for roughly two hours before 911 was notified.
By the time firefighters and Central Point police arrived, rescuers were faced with getting the woman safely out of the narrow underground space while she remained partially surrounded by water.
Fire District 3 crews established a rope-and-haul system and used a ladder to reach her.
Photos released by the district show firefighters working from the opening of the well house while rescuers operated below ground, with ropes and specialized equipment used to bring the woman back to the surface.
Firefighters from Engines 20, 21, and 22, along with Rescue 22 and officers from the Central Point Police Department, worked together on the rescue.
Once operations were underway, crews were able to bring the woman out of the well in approximately 30 to 35 minutes, according to Fire District 3.
She suffered minor injuries in the fall and was evaluated and treated by emergency medical personnel.
Despite the depth of the fall, the time spent in the water, and the confined conditions inside the well, no serious injuries were reported.
The incident highlights a less common type of rescue for local firefighters, requiring crews to work in a confined vertical space while safely lifting the patient back through the same opening she had fallen through.
Fire District 3 thanked the agencies and personnel who assisted with the response.
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