Worker '˜severely' injured after 20-metre fall from phone mast

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s working at height team were called to the incident yesterday (Thursday, March 10) at 10.24am.

When they arrived they found the man had fallen from the mast and landed on the roof of a small building holding generating and other equipment.

This had broken his fall but also caused severe injuries that meant he could not be easily moved.

Firefighters used special working at height equipment to ensure the injured man was completely immobilised so they could safely remove him from the roof without further compounding his injuries. The operation took some time to complete but minimised the trauma of moving him.

Station Commander John Foolkes said: “This was an unusual situation, due to his injuries the casualty could not be easily or immediately moved.

“We had to use special techniques and equipment to access the roof of the building and remove him safely. We worked with specialist paramedics and the air ambulance doctors who were brought to the scene by road as the weather was unsuitable for flying.”

After he was removed from the roof he was taken to hospital by the ambulance service and the incident was closed at 11.52am.