Tuesday 17th November 2015 – 3.40pm – John Hawker.
A man has been rescued after sliding down a steep slope and falling into a canal in Birmingham, breaking his leg in the process.
Ambulance crews were called to a canal near Rolfe Street Railway Station, Smethwick at around 9.45am this morning.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the man had managed to drag himself out of the water and on to a canal barge, despite his seriously injured leg.
“Ambulance crews worked with the fire service to gain access to the patient who was on the boat on the other side of the canal, which was inaccessible.
“After gaining access to the barge, the patient received emergency treatment by medics including receiving pain relief and having a leg splint fitted. The boat was moved then back over to the accessible side of the canal with the patient on it.
“The man in his 30’s, was then carried along the canal tow path and up to the awaiting ambulance nearby. In total the rescue operation took around an hour.
“Ambulance medics worked seamlessly with the fire service to ensure the man received the best treatment and was rescued as quickly and safely as possible.
“An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene.”
Ends
We have no further details on this incident.