Westford Responders Review Complex Technical Rescue

On September 3, 2026, emergency responders, medical professionals, and physicians from throughout the region convened in Westford, Massachusetts, to conduct a post-operation review of a recent technical rescue that required a large multi-agency effort. 

The review convened representatives from Westford Public Safety Communications, the Westford Fire Department, Northeast Massachusetts Technical Rescue, Boston MedFlight, the Region II EMS Council, Lowell General Hospital, and Lahey Hospital. The session was led by Lt. Hanley-McCarthy. 

The review came after a September 14 industrial accident at a Newport Construction site on Groton Road, in which a worker was trapped in a conveyor system. Westford firefighters were the first to respond to the emergency, and the incident’s complexity required a regional technical-rescue and medical team.

According to reports on the rescue, crews found the worker approximately 10 feet above ground with an upper extremity trapped in the conveyor. The Essex County Technical Rescue Team was requested for specialized extrication capabilities. Surgical teams from Lowell General Hospital and Lahey Hospital also responded to provide medical support at the scene, while Lowell General paramedics and EMS personnel provided advanced life support.

After an extended rescue operation, the worker was freed at approximately 1:30 p.m. and transported by Boston MedFlight to a regional Level 1 trauma center. The incident was described by Westford Fire officials as an unusual and complex rescue.

The September 3 after-action review provided those involved with an opportunity to examine the decisions and actions taken during the rescue. Participants discussed what worked well and identified areas that could be improved if a similar technical rescue occurs in the future.