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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.

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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.

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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.