10/09/2026
A learning moment to remember to take a moment to be aware of pinch points
TRAUMATIC INJURY / RESCUE
Yesterday at approximately 2:43 p.m., the Fairbanks Emergency Communications Center dispatched emergency responders to a reported wood-splitting accident involving a serious lower-extremity injury.
Big Delta Rescue responded with Delta Junction Fire Department and Rural Deltana Fire Department.
Upon arrival, crews made contact with the patient and found the patient’s foot still entrapped in the log splitter. After medical personnel stabilized the injury, firefighters used hand tools to carefully lift the hydraulic ram and free the patient.
The patient remained in the care of Big Delta Rescue and transported to Fairbanks for further evaluation and treatment. Additional fire personnel were released from the scene at approximately 3:20 p.m.
Conditions at the time were approximately 31°F with snow and light winds around 6 mph.
As we move into colder weather and many of us are cutting and splitting firewood, please take the extra few seconds to work carefully around hydraulic equipment. Shut equipment down before clearing jams or repositioning material, keep hands and feet clear of moving components, and never assume a hydraulic system cannot move unexpectedly.
