A man’s weekend trip down a playground tube slide in Vermont ended unexpectedly when he became trapped inside, prompting an unusual rescue effort.
According to a statement from the Vernon Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to Northeast Elementary School in Rutland City on Saturday, Aug. 16, after receiving reports that a 40-year-old man was stuck inside the playground slide while apparently visiting with his children.
“First units arrived on scene and found the patient wedged feet and head first down the slide and stuck in the middle portion,” officials said.
Because of his position inside the tube, additional crews and equipment were requested. Responders brought in specialized tools for the extrication and an aerial ladder to help stabilize the section of the slide that needed to be dismantled.
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Firefighters also provided oxygen to the man, who was experiencing “extreme discomfort” from the heat. Ventilation equipment was set up to circulate cooler air inside the slide.
Photos released by the department showed crews working from multiple points along the structure. Some firefighters attempted to reach the man from the slide’s entrance, while others dismantled sections from the middle. A ventilation tube was used to pump in fresh air during the process.
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The department reported that the man was freed within about 30 minutes. He was evaluated at the scene by EMS but declined treatment and transport to the hospital.
“While this is a unique call for service for the fire department, the professionalism shown on scene was exemplary,” the department said.
On Facebook, reactions to the incident were largely lighthearted. One commenter wrote, “Father of the year goes to this man! And one hell of a story to tell with his kids!” Another added, “Just a big kid having fun with his little ones. Glad he is okay.”
A third person joked that the ordeal had “unlocked” a “new fear,” but praised the man for being active with his children.
