Signal Mountain Fire Department launches a rescue operation

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — This afternoon, emergency crews launched a rescue operation at Signal Point Trail.

Emergency crews launched a rescue operation at Signal Point Trail after a 26-year-old female hiker sustained an ankle injury and was unable to walk.

At 4:07 p.m., a hiker on the trail called 911 to report that a fellow hiker had suffered an ankle injury and could not continue.

Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to the scene at 1100 Ridgeway Avenue.

Another hiker emerged from the trail to meet first responders and informed them that the injured hiker was approximately half a mile down Julia Falls Trail.

Given the rough terrain and the hiker’s location, Signal Mountain Fire requested additional assistance from Walden’s Ridge Emergency Service’s rope rescue personnel.

Within 20 minutes, first responders reached the injured hiker and secured her in a stokes basket.

Using a rope system, they stabilized both the patient and rescue personnel while navigating the rugged landscape.

Once safely off the trail, the hiker was transferred to Hamilton County EMS and taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The Chattanooga Fire Department staged at the Signal Mountain Fire Station to handle any additional emergency calls.