Newkirk and Bear Creek firefighters rescue Florida couple after mishaps north of Newkirk

NEWKIRK — Newkirk and Bear Creek Fire Departments assisted a Florida couple today who found themselves in what could have been life threatening situations today.

Newkirk Fire Chief Adam Longcrier said that NFD was paged at 3:42 p.m. by the Ponca City Communication Center to a report of a male who fell 20 feet out of a tree stand near the area of 106 Lane and Canteen Road and was suffering from a severe laceration to the right leg.

Longcrier said first responders arrived and located the man’s vehicle but did not see him. 

“A short time later we located him about 100 yards west of 106 Lane in the woods,” said Longcrier. “He was suffering from a severe laceration that went to the bone. We were able to package it up, transport him to the chopper pad at Bear Creek Fire Department, and he was airlifted to Wesley Medial Center in Wichita.”

While crews were tending to the male subject, others rescuers were organizing a search for the man’s wife who was lost in the area.

“We were told she would be in a two-three mile radius of where he was,” said Longcrier.

Longcrier said Bear Creek Firefighters developed a search area.

“It took about 45 minutes in the pouring rain but we were able to locate her after making contact with her by phone and using a Google Maps locator.” Longcrier said she was found unharmed in the area of Bear Creek and Brake Road. She was then able to leave the area and head to Wichita to be with her husband.

Longcrier said the pair were bow hunting in the area. 

“I’m very appreciative for the Bear Creek Fire Department,” said Longcrier.