Mesa, Arizona – On Sunday night, a horse walking across a metal grate bridge slipped into a water-filled canal and was unable to escape. According to the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, the horse’s rider was able to get out of the canal uninjured, but the horse could not climb up the steep bank.
Battalion 202 arrived to assist, but the horse began heading further down the canal and she was at risk of drowning in the deeper water. The fire agency said, “Battalion Chief Hickey and Battalion Safety Officer Figgins utilized the lifeline, used the bridge to cross to the other side of the canal, and threw the line to the owner on the other side. They were able to keep the horse’s head above water as she became increasingly tired and almost drowned a couple of times. Then they used the lifeline to guide her back to the initial location, as that was the shallowest and most controlled area.”
With the aid of lifting straps, the first responders were eventually able to pull the exhausted horse to dry ground. It took her a bit of time to have enough energy to stand.
The department said:
The horse was exhausted, so they gave her high-flow oxygen. She remained lying on her side for nearly 25 minutes before sitting up. After another 15 minutes or so, she got to her feet and walked on her own. The horse sustained several lacerations due to the thrashing by the metal grate at the bridge, but was able to walk on her own.
Great work to everyone involved in this horse’s rescue!
independent investigations and reporting.
