Rescue operation saves elderly man from icy waters in Orimattila

A successful rescue operation took place last Saturday in Orimattila, involving a man over 60 years old. The police received an emergency alert in the early hours of Saturday, following reports of cries for help in the Koskipolku area. Several police units were dispatched to the scene to conduct search efforts.

Using a police dog and a drone, the officers began their search in the nearby wooded area. After an hour and a half of searching, they located the distressed individual clinging to roots at the edge of a steep riverbank, approximately 2 to 3 meters high, in the icy waters of the Palo River. According to the police in Häme, the elderly man was holding on tightly to prevent himself from slipping into the water.

The officers jumped into the river to assist him, successfully pulling the severely hypothermic man to safety. Police officials noted that the rescue occurred just in time, as conditions were perilous. The man was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment.

As of now, the police have no information on how long he had been struggling in the water or the circumstances that led to his situation.