HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Honolulu Fire Department responded to an incident reported as a confined rescue Tuesday morning at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The incident was reported around 8 a.m. and by 8:30 the patient was transferred to EMS for care.
HFD said the 32-year-old male worker fell 15 feet below ground level into an open manhole, where oxygen was limited.
The man remained conscious and was able to communicate during the course of the rescue.
HazMat personnel confirmed there were no immediate dangers to life and health. In the meantime, rescue personnel used a rescue tripod to "lower a self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, to conduct a medical assessment and perform basic life support."
After the medical assessment was completed, HFD used rope rescue equipment to raise the man back to the surface for further care.
EMS said the worker suffered serious injuries to his leg and back. He was taken to an emergency room in serious condition.