A routine afternoon at Woods Creek Elementary in Crystal Lake turned alarming on Wednesday when a child was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center after what responders described as a “traumatic” fall. Crystal Lake Fire Rescue crews arrived at the school in the afternoon, evaluated the child on site, and requested an air medical transport. The child was initially reported to be in stable condition.
What Happened
According to NBC Chicago, emergency crews were dispatched to Woods Creek Elementary at about 3:35 p.m. Once on scene, officials requested a medical helicopter, which took the child to a Level 1 trauma center. The outlet noted the child’s condition was initially listed as stable, and no further update had been released.
Authorities have not shared additional details about how the fall occurred or where on campus it happened, and no further information about the student has been made public.
About the School
Woods Creek Elementary is part of Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47 and serves roughly 520 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, according to the school's website. The campus, located at 1100 Alexandra Blvd., lists about 80 staff members supporting those students.
Local Context
Medical helicopters landing for injured children are not a common sight in Crystal Lake, though it has happened before. In March, a child who fell about 15 feet at the North Wall rock climbing gym was first taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and then flown by medical helicopter for additional treatment, according to Patch. Officials at the time described that type of response as rare, and the child in that case was reported to be in stable condition after being transferred to the helicopter.
Officials’ Response
Authorities have not released the child’s age or any specifics about the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s fall. NBC Chicago reported that Woods Creek Elementary did not immediately respond to questions about the incident. Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and the school district also did not provide additional comment to the outlet.
