An unconscious tree trimmer stranded high above a San Jose neighborhood was dramatically airlifted to safety Friday after suffering a medical emergency while working roughly 75 feet up a palm tree.
Emergency crews rushed to the 2900 block of Sunburst Drive around 10 a.m., where the worker had become incapacitated while cutting the tree, according to the San Jose Fire Department.
Initial attempts to reach him from the ground failed due to the height and distance from the street.
With time critical, officials called in a Cal Fire helicopter to execute a rare aerial extraction.
The operation proved difficult, taking more than an hour to safely remove the worker from the towering palm.
“This is the first time they have done an aerial pick off of a tree of this type. We are typically able to gain access from our aerial apparatus so this is a unique event,” Assistant Fire Chief James Dobson told ABC7.
Rescuers ultimately cut the man free and lowered him carefully to the ground.
Video released by the fire department captured the tense moments as the limp, comatose worker was hoisted from the swaying tree and brought to safety.
Authorities said he was conscious during transport but in serious condition.