Bridge Day Wrap-up

While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it, it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.

Posted: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:07 AM

The West Virginia Office of EMS assisted with the management of the 29th annual Bridge Day Festival on the New River Gorge Bridge on Saturday, October 18th. The event was coordinated under a unified command system that involved more than 13 agencies.  Emergency medical services at the landing zone and on the bridge were managed by JanCare Ambulance Service. The Office of EMS provided on-site online medical direction.  Early attendance estimates exceed 150,000 people - which makes this WV's largest one-day festival.

In all, 383 BASE jumpers completed 1,062 successful jumps, with only three EMS transports due to injuries, which included hypothermia from a water landing and subsequent trip through class IV whitewater, a fractured foot, and a femur fracture caused by a rigid knee brace and a very hard landing. In addition to BASE jumping activities, rappellers completed nearly 900 rappels from the bridge.

Images from the event have been captured and are available in the Bridge Day Photo Gallery.