Rescued Rafter was Pinned Against Bridge Abutment

Sacramento Metro Fire District rescue crews reported to the Watt Avenue bridge Monday afternoon to find an adult male rafter in the water, pinned against a bridge abutment.

According to a statement released by Metro Fire assistant chief Walt White, around 4:33 p.m. the man, unable to move in the strong current, was rescued when rescue crews established command wading into the water, wearing life vests, and were able to get a life vest and safety rope line to the conscious victim.

The sitaution was monitored from the air by one of Metro Fire's helicopters, enabling one of the district's rescue boats to make contact with the stranded man. Upon reaching the man, rescue crews observed his head and shoulders remained above water. Despite being cold and shaken the man was concious and lucid, according to a Metro Fire report.

The man was later transported to Kaiser Hospital North for medical evaluation.

Metro Fire reminds everyone that the current in the American River is strong and cold and that you should always wear a life vest when in swift moving water.

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