On June 21, 2014, during our Jackson County Rescue Squad’s 50-year anniversary open house, we received a call that would test our skills and demonstrate the critical importance of volunteer emergency services in our community. A 20-year-old Western Carolina University student, Yesha Datas, had fallen from the top of Paradise Falls, located below Wolf Creek Dam in the Canada community.

The Emergency Call

The call came in at 11:39 a.m., and our first responders arrived at the scene by 12:03 p.m. This rapid response time was crucial, as every minute mattered in this dangerous situation. The student had been attempting to cross the creek atop the waterfall to get to the other bank when she lost her footing on algae-covered rocks and began tumbling down the falls.

The Rescue Operation

Initial Assessment

When our team arrived, we found Yesha trapped between two rocks under the flow of the waterfall. She was in a 4-foot pool of water below the lip of the falls, with her upper body against one rock and lower body against another. This precarious position required immediate stabilization.

Rope Rescue Under Falling Water

Our squad members completed a complex rope rescue operation under falling water, which is one of the most challenging types of rescue operations. We set up multiple rappel lines and used them to establish two haul systems. This technical approach was necessary due to the dangerous conditions and the need to safely extract both the patient and our rescue personnel.

Multi-Agency Coordination

The rescue required coordination between multiple agencies:

• Jackson County Rescue Squad - Led the rope rescue operation
• Canada Fire Department - Provided first responders and additional support
• MedWest EMS - Handled medical care and transport
• Local Volunteers - The Rish family provided initial assistance with ropes and stabilization

The Extraction Process

1. Initial Stabilization - Our team first pulled Yesha and the Canada first responder up to a lower section to get them out of the water so they could warm up
2. Rescue Personnel Extraction - The squad member was then pulled out safely
3. Patient Transport - Yesha was transported via a Stokes basket to the upper section
4. Difficult Carry-Out - Squad members, MedWest EMS, and Canada Fire Department members performed a challenging carry-out through tough terrain and a water crossing

The Outcome

Yesha was placed in an ambulance at 2:37 p.m. and transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville. Despite the terrifying experience, she suffered only minor injuries - bruises and scratches, but no broken bones. The successful outcome was a testament to the skill and dedication of all involved.

Key Leadership Lessons

Rapid Response Capability

This incident demonstrated the importance of maintaining rapid response capabilities. Our ability to arrive on scene within 24 minutes of the call was critical to the successful outcome.

Technical Expertise

The rope rescue under falling water required specialized training and equipment. This incident highlighted the importance of continuous training and maintaining technical rescue capabilities.

Multi-Agency Cooperation

The successful rescue required seamless cooperation between multiple agencies. Clear communication and established protocols were essential for coordinating the complex operation.

Community Support

The immediate assistance provided by the Rish family and other bystanders was crucial. Their quick thinking and willingness to help demonstrated the importance of community involvement in emergency response.

Safety Reminders

As our longtime Rescue Squad member Steve Gray emphasized, this incident serves as an important reminder about waterfall safety:

“It’s not just about the person who falls. Emergency personnel have to risk their lives as well.”

Key safety points:

• Stay away from the tops of waterfalls - Algae makes rocks extremely slippery
• Be extremely cautious near streams - Especially during summer activities
• Respect the power of water - Even small falls can be dangerous
• Think about the rescuers - Emergency personnel put their lives at risk to help

Why This Matters

This rescue operation, covered by The Sylva Herald, demonstrates several important aspects of volunteer emergency services:

Community Impact

Volunteer rescue squads provide essential services to rural communities, often being the first responders to dangerous situations that require specialized skills and equipment.

Technical Excellence

The successful outcome of this complex rescue operation showcases the high level of training and expertise required for volunteer emergency services.

Leadership Under Pressure

Leading a multi-agency rescue operation under dangerous conditions requires clear thinking, effective communication, and the ability to make quick decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.

Volunteer Dedication

This incident occurred during our 50-year anniversary celebration, yet our team immediately responded to the emergency call, demonstrating the commitment and dedication of volunteer emergency personnel.

Personal Reflection

This rescue operation was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my time as Chief of the Jackson County Rescue Squad. It reinforced the importance of:

• Continuous Training - Technical rescue skills must be maintained and updated
• Equipment Readiness - Having the right tools and knowing how to use them
• Team Coordination - Working effectively with other agencies and volunteers
• Community Service - The vital role volunteer emergency services play in rural communities

The successful outcome and the gratitude expressed by Yesha and her family made all the training, preparation, and risk worthwhile. This is why I continue to believe in the importance of volunteer service and community involvement.