06/27/2026
Once upon a time the volunteer fire service operated using a system of bells to alert firefighters in an emergency. When landline telephones became available the calling tree was developed, where the chief called 2 people, they each called 2 more, and so on until everyone had been notified. Eventually everyone carried a pager, and with the advances in technology we now have smart phones with an app that provides relevant information about the particular incident.
Typically there are key words or phrases that draw our attention to the nature of the emergency; Stroke, Cardiac, structure or vegetation fire, and Signal 1 (vehicle accident with injuries) are examples. Once in a while, as a first responder, when the tones sound and you glance at your phone, you do a double-take, and involuntarily exclaim; "What...?"
Such was the case on Friday, June 26th around 5:45 when JSFD was paged out for a "LARGE HORSE ON SIDE IN THE DITCH". You need to know, our Dispatchers are the absolute best. They legitimately set the standard by which all others are measued, but even they don't have a key phrase or word to summarize this particular type of emergency.
Regardless of the reason, and in this case with more questions than answers, your volunteers dropped what they were doing and hastily reported to their assigned station. This call tested our problem solving skills and innovative imagination, because equine extrication isn't something for which we have trained.
Upon arrival we learned that a horse and rider were enjoying a leisurely ride along Norris Peak Rd at the very edge of our district, when suddenly and without warning the horse lost its footing and fell, which caused it to roll onto its back into a narrow watercourse along the road. Luckily the rider wasn't pinned, and was able to free himself and call for help, because the steep sides of the ditch did not allow the horse sufficient maneuverability to get its legs underneath it to get itself up.
After some study and discussion, responders developed a plan to use straps and a winch to very carefully slide the horse into a different position which would allow it enough room to stand up. The horse's owner stayed with the animal to keep it calm, and the exercise was carried out cautiously and successfully. Not wanting to cause the poor horse any further stress or risk, firefighters attacked the obstacles growing in the path of least resistance, and cleared a route which allowed our Paint patient to walk out on its own.
We are so thankful both horse and rider were uninjured, because we were not equipped to transport this particular victim.
Have a great weekend!
🐴 Be Smart and Be Safe! 🇺🇸
