At around 11:00 p.m. on March 4, Battle Creek Fire Department responded to a call reporting a vehicle in the Kalamazoo River near the intersection of 20th Street and Jackson Street.
When Rescue 2 arrived at the scene, firefighters found a two-door Jeep Wrangler that had left the road, hit a light pole, and ended up about 10 to 15 feet into the river. A firefighter wearing a cold-water rescue suit entered the water to reach the vehicle and check on its occupant.
Engine 5 and Car 3 also responded to assist with the situation. Crews determined that there was a 62-year-old woman from Battle Creek inside the Jeep who was unconscious. Another firefighter in a cold-water suit entered the river to help with the rescue effort. The firefighters were able to free her from the vehicle, bring her safely to shore, and carry her up the riverbank where LifeCare Ambulance staff were waiting. She received evaluation and treatment at the scene before being released later.
After transferring care of the woman to emergency medical services, fire crews helped secure the Jeep so it could be removed from the river by a towing company. Once this process was completed, all responding units left and returned to service.
The Battle Creek Police Department and LifeCare Ambulance provided support at the scene. Police are investigating whether a medical issue may have played a role in causing the crash.
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