Members of the Putnam County Rescue Squad’s High Angle Rope Rescue Team assisted two individuals who fell while climbing at Burgess Falls State Park.

Just after 1 p.m. yesterday, officials were summoned there for an adult male and adult female who fell near falls #3 (commonly referred to as the “big falls”).

Putnam County medics and rescue squad personnel made initial access by rappel, while Sparta-White County Rescue Squad crews approached by boat and remained as a downstream safety.

The swift-moving high water level made for significant challenges to the rescue, requiring technical expertise and planning.

Additional State Park rangers and the Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service quickly responded as they were training on rope rescue techniques.

The Putnam County Rescue Squad is thankful for the quick response of all agencies, the teamwork, and the safe outcome of all responders who worked tirelessly for the successful rescue of the two.