NJ Firefighters Rescue Person Stuck On Catwalk

MILLSTONE, NJ — A person was rescued on Saturday evening after getting stuck on a 40-foot-high catwalk in Millstone Township Middle School.

At 5:03 p.m. on Saturday, the Millstone Township Fire Department responded to the middle school after being dispatched there for a medical emergency on the catwalk in the performing arts center.

Once Chief Mike Maloney and responding units arrived at the scene, they confirmed that one person was stuck on the catwalk, which is approximately 40 feet above the ground.

From there, authorities said access was evaluated, and based off the rescue requiring "removal down through two separate levels via a rope system," additional assistance was then requested from the Englishtown Fire Department and Monroe Township Fire District #2.

"Millstone Firefighter/EMT's accessed the catwalk, provided patient care and began setting up anchor points for haul systems," the fire department said in an online post.

"Englishtown Engine 12 arrived and the two agencies worked together to build out the rope systems and package the patient in a removal device called a SKED. Personnel from Monroe Tower 57 provided manpower."

From there, authorities said the patient was lowered about 15 feet from the catwalk in a limited-access area to the mezzanine, then a haul system was used to lower the patient down a steep staircase to the ground.

Once the patient was on the ground, they were turned over to the fire department ambulance crew and Atlantic Healthcare paramedics.

Authorities did not release the name or age of the person who was rescued.

"Members worked efficiently and demonstrated great inner agency operability to complete this incident safely," the fire department said. "Incidents like this are high risk/low frequency, and require vast training to carryout. All personnel operating should be commended for their actions."

In an online post, the Englishtown Fire Department expressed its gratitude for those who helped with the rescue as well, adding that the department was proud to be requested for assistance.

"Incidents like this require specialized equipment, coordination, and extensive training," the department said. "While these calls are relatively rare, our members regularly train for technical rescue situations to ensure we are prepared to assist when they occur."

"We appreciate the strong cooperation between Millstone Township Fire Department and Monroe Township Fire District #2 who all worked together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."