Person suffers multiple fractures after falling nearly 50 feet from cliff near Franklin Boulevard

Eugene, OR – Emergency crews rescued a person who fell nearly 50 feet from a cliff near Franklin Boulevard in Eugene early November 1, leaving the victim with multiple fractures and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Eugene Springfield Fire responded just before 1:30 a.m. after a 911 caller reported that the victim had slipped while walking near a cliff face on Birch Lane, between Walnut Boulevard and Interstate 5. The person fell down the steep vertical face and landed near Franklin Boulevard below.

Because of the reported fall and difficult access, the emergency response was upgraded to include a fire engine, ladder truck, advanced life support ambulance, EMS supervisor and battalion chief.

Battalion 1 and Medic 21 arrived from the Downtown Eugene Station approximately five minutes after the initial dispatch. Crews located the victim in blackberry bushes behind a Jersey barrier topped with vertical fencing.

Firefighters climbed over the barrier to reach and assess the patient. Additional crews used ground ladders to bring equipment to the victim, provide treatment and prepare the person for removal. Sections of fencing were also cut to allow rescuers to safely get the patient out.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Riverbend Hospital under emergency conditions with multiple fractures and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Eugene Springfield Fire said approximately 23 minutes passed between crews arriving at the scene and the patient being transported to the hospital.