Fire Department rescues person who had fallen at Malanaphy Springs

The Decorah Fire Department says it was called to Malanaphy Springs Friday afternoon around 12:15 to rescue a person had fallen approximately 25 feet off a cliff.

Firefighters and paramedics located the person approximately one mile from the roadway at the base of a bluff.  Due to the location of the accident victim and the steep terrain, a low-angle rope lowering system was set up by fire department personnel to assist with lowering the patient to an area that would be easier to access. 

The patient was treated for his injuries by paramedics.  Fire Department personnel had to clear some trees and bushes to enable closer access to the victim.  The patient was carried a short distance, placed on the Fire Department's UTV, transported out of the wooded area to an awaiting helicopter, then taken from the scene by Medlink AIR helicopter to Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse.

The accident victim is described only as "a 34-year-old male."  He suffered a broken ankle in the fall, according to authorities.

The Decorah Fire Department was assisted by the Winneshiek County Sheriff's office, Winneshiek County/Decorah LEC Dispatch, Winneshiek County Ambulance Paramedics and Medlink AIR helicopter service.