Tree trimmer dies after being trapped under palm fronds in east Bakersfield
A tree trimmer died after being trapped under palm fronds in east Bakersfield late Thursday evening.
The Kern County Fire Department said on Thursday afternoon at 4:37 p.m., Kern County firefighters responded to the 800 block of Plaza Street for a report of a victim trapped in a palm tree.
When firefighters arrived, crews found a tree trimmer pinned under palm fronds about 30 feet up in a tall palm tree.
KCFD said the victim had been unresponsive for about 30 minutes before firefighters got there.
Officials said the truck's 100-foot ladder fell just short of reaching the tree. KCFD said the only viable option was to send a rescuer up into the tree.
Due to the technical nature of palm tree rescues, the Kern County Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR-47) was requested.
KCFD said palm trees often develop what is known as a "skirt" of dried fronds, which grows larger over time. The fronds are sharp and their weight can become hazardous. The entire skirt can loosen and fall down the trunk, posing a significant risk to anyone in or near the tree.
In a release, it said, "Rescuing someone from this situation requires considerable expertise and many hours of training. Although this type of emergency is infrequent, it is high-risk. Kern County firefighters train for such scenarios by setting up rope rescue systems, anchoring over the top of the palm, and raising rescuers into the tree. These drills are conducted on palms without the added danger of falling dead fronds."
KCFD said the trapped victim was hidden beneath the dead fronds. Using a combination of precision cutting with chainsaws and brute force, progress was made.
Due to the length and physical demands of the operation, a second rescuer was brought in to replace the first. After this considerable effort, the entire skirt was finally cut loose, and the victim was freed.
Officials said while still suspended in the air, the rescuer quickly assessed the patient for signs of life. The victim died.
The victim was secured in the rope system. Both the rescuer and the person were lowered to the ground.
No injuries to firefighters were reported.
