BOONE,  Iowa—At approximately 3pm yesterday, the Boone Fire Department was dispatched to the E18 river bridge for a snowmobile rollover on the river, north of the bridge. Engine 8-65 responded to the bridge, finding several snowmobiles stopped approximately ½ mile north of the bridge out on the frozen river. Boone Firefighters, Boone County Hospital Paramedics and Boone County Deputies carried rescue and EMS equipment through the snow to the victim and began providing medical care to stabilize and package the victim. Another available snowmobile was used to help carefully remove the victim from the river, navigating ice and open areas of water to get the victim to an area that was accessible by vehicle. Additional personnel from the Boone Fire Department responded with UTV to assist.

The Boone Fire Department was assisted by the Boone County Communications Center, Boone County Hospital Ambulance, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Boone County Emergency Management and Boone County Search and Rescue.

The identity of the injured snowmobile has not been released.

Firefighters regularly train on various rescue scenarios but due to the nature of emergency incidents, it’s impossible to train for every situation. Dedicated firefighters and fellow responders are incredible at adapting to whatever hazards they may face! Great work by all involved to effect a challenging rescue!

(contributed press release, BFD)