Last week’s rains left many dry creek beds just the opposite, which led to rescuers pulling a driver to safety after attempting to cross a flooded area. On Jan. 16, Sedona Fire District responded to a report of a vehicle swept away while attempting to cross Oak Creek at a low-water crossing at Oak Creek Cliffs Drive. 

One occupant was trapped inside the vehicle in the river downstream of the crossing. Water was up to the driver’s window with water beginning to enter the vehicle.

According to Fire Marshal Jon Davis, a crew responded and immediately placed downstream rescuers in the event the occupant became separated from the vehicle. Upstream spotters were put in place to alert rescuers of any large debris coming toward the vehicle. Davis said primary, secondary and contingency plans were developed. 

A team of rescuers entering the water in a wedge was agreed upon as primary plan. The secondary plan involved using the raft and the contingency plan was a rescue swimmer. The wedge crew was briefed while other SFD personnel staged equipment in the event the primary plan was unsuccessful. The position of the vehicle, the water level relative to the vehicle, the time it would take to implement each plan, environment exposure to the occupant and other hazards were all considered in the development of the plans. 

“One of the essential attributes of emergency preparedness is the identification of, and preparation for, different types of risk,” Acting Chief Jayson Coil said. 

“Swiftwater events such as this is a risk we actively prepare for.” 

Once the wedge crew was in position and positive communication with all personnel on the rescue scene was confirmed, the incident commander commenced the operation. The wedge crew consisted of engineer Andrew Johnson as the point man, Capt. Brian Ford and firefighter Isaiah Moore as wedge right, Firefighters Phil Bruglio and Mark Essary formed the left side of the wedge. 

Because opening the door would potentially cause the vehicle to become dislodged — threatening the rescue team and the occupant — the passenger rear window was broken to allow the team to pass a helmet and flotation device to the driver. 

Once the helmet and flotation vest were securely on the driver, he was pulled out. Rescuers carried the driver to the river’s edge where he was assessed by paramedics and subsequently transported to Verde Valley Medical Center. Coil said preparation for incidents like this includes training, pre-planning and assessing and improving their response capabilities by critically assessing that response. 

“In many ways it all centers around knowing what events can occur, the probability and severity of these events and ensuring we are prepared,” he said. 

“While success is often measured based on outcomes, the work done prior to the alarm sounding is where we make the difference. 

“Constantly evaluating and assessing the multiple variables of complex events such as this require vigilance and a team of committed individuals. Fortunately the Sedona Fire District is made up of leaders at all levels who are committed to intervene to help those in harms way.” According to Sedona police, the vehicle remained at the location until it was safe to remove it.