It wasn’t the typical call for help, but for the Brownsville Fire Department, every rescue matters.
On Tuesday morning, Brownsville firefighters responded to reports of a farm animal trapped in a ditch. When crews arrived, they discovered an adult cow in a difficult situation, sunken neck-deep in thick mud at the bottom of the ditch and unable to get out on its own.
Fortunately, Brownsville Fire Department personnel had trained for this exact type of rescue and quickly put that training into action.
Crews carefully dug away mud to create enough space to pass rescue straps underneath the cow. To protect the animal during the operation, firefighters also placed a life jacket around its head.
One of the biggest obstacles was the suction created by the thick mud surrounding the cow. Firefighters used a piercing nozzle to push water underneath the animal, helping loosen the mud and reduce the suction so crews could safely begin lifting it.
Their efforts worked.
The cow was successfully freed from the mud and lifted to safety at the top of the ditch.
Getting the newly freed cow secured, however, presented one more challenge.
Luckily, the crew had a lasso on standby.
The unusual rescue showcased the training, teamwork, and quick thinking Brownsville firefighters bring to every call. What may have looked like an uncommon emergency was a situation crews were prepared to handle.
From everyday emergencies to unexpected rescues, the Brownsville Fire Department stands ready to answer the call and lend a helping hand, even when that helping hand comes with a lasso.
Great work by the Brownsville Fire Department team on a safe and successful rescue.
