Digging for sharks teeth near River Rd, leads to a rescue by the North Port Fire Rescue

The call was initially dispatched as a possible fall with a suspected leg injury. Rescue 86 personnel and District 2 Chief arrived to find an adult female at the base of an excavation site where she had been digging for sharks teeth. The digging at the base caused the wall to collapse, briefly covering the victim completely. Friends who were with the victim were able to free her from underneath the pile prior to fire department arrival.

After assessing the situation, additional North Port Fire resources, including the Technical Rescue Team, were requested to assist with the low-angle rescue. The wall of the excavation next to the victim was approximately 12-foot tall with water near the patient on the other side. Firefighters utilized ropes and a Stokes basket to create a haul system to safely bring the victim up to ground level. They then organized air transportation of the patient to the hospital for further care. The victim was alert and oriented during the time the rescue took place.

Sarasota County Fire Department responded and assisted with air transport facilitation.