Trending Topics

Surgeons called to Ga. construction site for complex worker rescue

Athens-Clarke County firefighters spent more than an hour freeing a worker trapped in machinery before a hospital trauma team was brought to the scene

ATHENS, Ga. — A specialized medical team, including surgeons and an anesthesiologist, was called to a construction site on the Athens Bypass to assist with a complex rescue.

Athens-Clarke County firefighters responded around 6:45 a.m. on Aug. 14 to an industrial accident near the Atlanta Highway intersection, the department stated. Officials said a construction worker became entangled in machinery after falling into it during a concrete-pouring operation.

| NEW RESOURCE: What Paramedics Want in 2026

Rescue crews spent more than an hour working to free the injured worker. Because of the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the machinery, a trauma team from Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, including surgeons, an anesthesiologist and nurses, was called to the scene.

Officials have not released the worker’s identity or condition. The cause of the industrial accident remains under investigation.

Trending
Pennsylvania’s program distributing naloxone and drug testing strips added its first faith-based recovery partner as officials report more than 17,600 overdose reversals statewide
The city is using opioid settlement funds to build a 24/7 response system that sends behavioral health and community support teams to calls that don’t require traditional emergency responders
Euclid firefighters handled more than 10,800 rescue and EMS calls in 2025 as the department explores alternative transport, referrals and other ways to preserve resources
The union unanimously censured Gov. Abigail Spanberger after she vetoed legislation that would have expanded collective bargaining rights for firefighters, EMS personnel and other public employees

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.