Update: Bartow, Fla. (March 22, 2024) – Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a technical rescue call on Bermuda Court in Winter Haven today at 12:59 p.m.
Upon Polk County Fire Rescues arrival at 1:05 p.m., crews located an individual pinned between a tree and a bucket lift truck behind a residence. The individual was preforming tree trimming services when the incident occurred.
14 Polk County Fire Rescue units responded to the scene and mutual aid was provided by Lakeland Regional Trauma Surgeon Dr. Olumide Sobowale, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Fire Department and Winter Haven Fire Department.
“Our members continue to function at the highest levels and are prepared for all hazards,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. “The interdisciplinary collaboration between our medics, special operations members, command staff and our trauma surgeons was phenomenal.”
One trauma alert patient was transported from the scene and the incident is under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Polk County Fire Rescue & The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene of an accident involving a tree service worker pinned by tree in Winter Haven. The call came into the 911 center at approximately 12:57pm. The scene is on Bermuda Ct. which is just off Spirit Lake Road.
According to Carrie Horstman, PIO for PCSO, only one individual is involved in the incident. It was too early for any details to be available.
Emergency responders could be heard requesting a surgeon to help in the extraction of the injured victim. Readers confirm a medical helicopter arrived, then took off and returned a short time later. That helicopter is believed to have picked up a surgeon from Lakeland Regional Health.
It appears that the victim has been now extricated from the tree.
We will update this article as more information is released.