Goosebump-inducing video shows first responders bravely rescuing someone in crisis atop 250-foot-tall communications tower in Minnesota

A chilling video captured the moment first responders in Minnesota saved a man in crisis – at the top of a 250-foot radio tower.

Aerial footage showed Sgt. Alex Eckstein, a member of Dakota County’s highly trained special operations team, climbing toward the unidentified man who was at the top of the tower in Eagan, south of Minneapolis.

The rescue was “pretty disheartening,” Eckstein told WCCO News. “I have never experienced anything so physically or mentally demanding.”

The call about the distressed man early on Oct. 10 quickly turned Eckstein’s routine change into an unexpected high-wire act he hopes he never has to repeat.

“You think many things; How are we supposed to get there, how are we supposed to get this person down,” Eckstein remembers.

The rescuer spent about half an hour climbing up the metal structure, battling strong winds while attaching his carabiner and rope to the rungs to prevent him from falling.

“You’re doing great!” Eckstein yelled at the man as he climbed, promising him they would get him down.

“It’s unbelievable that this person was able to last so long. Nobody likes being that high,” said the rescuer.

Eckstein’s partner, Chief Sam Seal, led the way, and once both men were on top, Seal managed to tie the distressed man with a harness before he struggled.

“I trained for this, but I didn’t think I would ever climb 250 feet to take someone down,” Seal told the station.

Authorities took the man to the hospital – and his rescuers said they were ready if something similar happened again.

“We don’t want to do it again, but we will be prepared,” Eckstein said.