A man was severely injured in an industrial accident at Fox Lumber mill in Montesano on Tuesday, leading to a multiple agency response and rescue.

At 3:16 p.m., the Montesano Fire Department was dispatched to a medical call at the mill. The caller reported an injured worker with possible entrapment in a piece of industrial equipment. Montesano Fire Department responded and while enroute, requested mutual aid from nearby Grays Harbor Fire District 2 and the availability of a medical helicopter.

Upon arrival, response personnel evaluated a male in his mid-20s with an arm trapped inside a piece of industrial equipment. In coordination with mill staff, responders ensured that the power was shut off and secured allowing responders to safely evaluate and stabilize the patient.

Paramedics and EMTs developed an extrication plan for patient removal. Grays Harbor Fire District #2 responded and provided the needed battery powered extrication equipment commonly referred to as E-Tools. “E-tools” are a necessary resource because they do not require a gasoline engine to operate. This is important for responders and the patient as it minimizes their exposure to carbon monoxide and excessive noise.

While efforts were ongoing, additional resources were requested from the Aberdeen Fire Department for growing incident complexity and anticipated staffing needs.

The patient was removed from the equipment and was transported via Montesano Fire medic unit to a nearby landing zone. Airlift Northwest medical helicopter transported the patient to Harborview Medical Center.