Daring Helicopter Rescue Saves Arborist Stranded in San Jose Palm Tree
April 25, 2026
A tense rescue operation unfolded in San Jose on Friday morning, where a tree worker was safely lowered to the ground after experiencing a medical emergency while perched 75 feet up in a palm tree.
KTVU via Video Elephant
The worker, who was engaged in trimming the tall tree, was saved by his safety harness, which prevented a fall despite the sudden crisis, as reported by the San Jose Fire Department.
His precarious position was compounded by the nearby operation of a running chainsaw, presenting rescuers with a complex and hazardous situation.
Emergency responders made swift attempts to reach the stranded man from the ground, but the palm’s lofty height and its positioning away from the street impeded their efforts.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, authorities enlisted the help of a CAL FIRE helicopter to conduct a rare and complex aerial rescue.
Assistant Fire Chief James Dobson described the mission as unprecedented for his team. “This is the first time they have done an aerial pick off of a tree of this type,” Dobson shared with ABC7. “We are typically able to gain access from our aerial apparatus so this is a unique event.”
Footage released by the fire department captured the dramatic operation, where rescue crews skillfully reached the worker and managed to free him from the tree. Thanks to their efforts, he was safely lowered in a carefully executed helicopter maneuver.
The worker was alert as he was transported to receive medical attention, although he remained in serious condition, according to authorities.
