At 0841 hrs on December 20, 2009, the Milford Emergency Operations Center received a 911 telephone call from 1022 W. River Street requesting assistance for a horse that had fallen to the ground and could not get up. Being such an unusual request, Fire Department units (Engine 1 and Engine 7) were dispatched to see what assistance could be provided. When first due units arrived they were met with a horse that had fallen to the ground and was unable to stand on its own because of the ice and snow from the evening’s storm. Captain Bernie Belgey of Engine 1 had taken a Large Animal Rescue Class last year and working along with Mr. Rich Cranley from Silver Horse Shoe Stables, the two were able to provided much knowledge and the proper techniques to assist the horse. Because of the complexity of this rescue, Battalion Chief Richard Mohr requested Engine 6, Engine 4 as well as the Technical Rescue Unit 234.
Crews used medium pressure rescue lift bags that were placed underneath the horse and inflated to be able to lift the horse enough to allow the horse to stretch its legs. The horse was still lethargic and firefighters continued to support some of the horse’s weight.
Firefighters were able to place lifting straps underneath the horse which were placed to assist the horse being lifted vertically. Firefighter Dave King brought to the scene his personnel boom truck that he uses to do some heavy lifting. This “small crane” was used to lift the horse vertically enough where the horse could begin to walk on its own. After a few minutes, firefighters removed the lifting straps and the horse was led into his barn where a veterinarian will evaluate it for injuries.
Captain Chris Zak, the department's spokesman said, "This rescue was extremely complex and dangerous and was only successful because of the cooperation of and teamwork of everyone involved. All Firefighters and Civilians were able to add to the rescue with information and assistance. At times, Firefighters are only thought of putting out fires but our job entails so much more. The Firefighters of Milford are here to protect the entire population of Milford and also its visitors, even if they walk on four legs and eat carrots."
At 0841 hrs on December 20, 2009, the Milford Emergency Operations Center received a 911 telephone call from 1022 W. River Street requesting assistance for a horse that had fallen to the ground and could not get up. Being such an unusual request, Fire Department units (Engine 1 and Engine 7) were dispatched to see what assistance could be provided. When first due units arrived they were met with a horse that had fallen to the ground and was unable to stand on its own because of the ice and snow from the evening’s storm. Captain Bernie Belgey of Engine 1 had taken a Large Animal Rescue Class last year and working along with Mr. Rich Cranley from Silver Horse Shoe Stables, the two were able to provided much knowledge and the proper techniques to assist the horse. Because of the complexity of this rescue, Battalion Chief Richard Mohr requested Engine 6, Engine 4 as well as the Technical Rescue Unit 234.
Crews used medium pressure rescue lift bags that were placed underneath the horse and inflated to be able to lift the horse enough to allow the horse to stretch its legs. The horse was still lethargic and firefighters continued to support some of the horse’s weight.
Firefighters were able to place lifting straps underneath the horse which were placed to assist the horse being lifted vertically. Firefighter Dave King brought to the scene his personnel boom truck that he uses to do some heavy lifting. This “small crane” was used to lift the horse vertically enough where the horse could begin to walk on its own. After a few minutes, firefighters removed the lifting straps and the horse was led into his barn where a veterinarian will evaluate it for injuries.
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