By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A Massachusetts firefighter was seriously injured after falling about 40 feet during a training exercise at a drill tower.
• The incident occurred recently at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow.
• The firefighter was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
• Academy and department officials said the injured member has begun a long road to recovery.
• State fire officials are reviewing the incident to determine circumstances and preventive measures.
STOW, MA — A Massachusetts firefighter who suffered serious injuries after falling roughly 40 feet during a training exercise at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s drill tower has begun a long recovery, officials said.
The fall occurred at the academy’s Stow campus during a routine training session when the firefighter reportedly lost footing while participating in a high-angle drill, according to state fire service representatives.
Emergency crews responded and transported the injured firefighter by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center, where the individual received treatment for significant injuries sustained in the fall.
Academy and fire department officials said the firefighter, whose name has not been released, has started a recuperation process that is expected to be lengthy and will involve additional medical care and rehabilitation.
State fire safety and training authorities are conducting a review of the incident to understand the circumstances leading to the fall and to assess any safety measures that could help mitigate similar accidents in the future.