Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves Worker Dangling 75 Feet Up In Palm Tree

April 25, 2026

A dramatic rescue high above the streets of San Jose ended with a tree worker safely brought back to the ground after becoming incapacitated while trimming a towering palm tree.

KTVU via Video Elephant

The worker was reportedly about 75 feet in the air Friday morning when he suffered a medical emergency while cutting the tree, according to the San Jose Fire Department.

Thankfully, his safety harness prevented him from falling.

However, rescuers faced an extremely dangerous and difficult situation. The worker was left dangling near the top of the palm tree while his chainsaw continued running beside him.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene and initially tried to reach him from the ground, but the height of the tree and its distance from the street made access nearly impossible.

Realizing time was critical, officials called in a helicopter from CAL FIRE to attempt a rare aerial rescue.

Assistant Fire Chief James Dobson said the operation was unlike anything crews had handled before.

“This is the first time they have done an aerial pick off of a tree of this type,” Dobson told ABC7. “We are typically able to gain access from our aerial apparatus so this is a unique event.”

Video released by the fire department showed the intense moments as rescuers carefully reached the worker high above the ground. Crews eventually cut him free and lowered him safely from the swaying tree during the delicate helicopter operation.

Despite the danger and complexity of the rescue, the worker survived.

Authorities said he was conscious while being transported for medical care, though he remained in serious condition.