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Hickory Flat Fire Dept.
March 06, 2004

Rescue of a horse from a swimming pool





The horse aparently tried to walk on the pool cover, and fell through into about 4 feet of water at the deep end of the pool. The family and Animal Control had tried to get the horse to climb up to the shallow end, but it was too slippery.

Upon arrival, the firemen sent for a pump to drain the pool, then began to discuss alternate methods, plus calling for a large wrecker and the Rope Team. In the mean time, a large rubber mat was placed on the slope to provide footing. It quickly slipped into the pool.

The team then brought in 4 mats, lashed them together into one long mat, and secured the end with a rope. The horse was then able to climb to the shallow end, but was unable to climb the steps. The family covered to horse with blankets to help warm him after several hours in the water.

A team from Mauldin Body Shop, including several personnel from other haulers attending a class with Mr. Weaver, arrived along with a veternarian to administer a seditive to keep the horse calm. Then with two major straps, he was lifted out of the pool to safety.

This all sounds simple, but the effort took over 2 hours, and lots of ideas from various personnel on the scene. Everyone is to be congratulated for professional conduct and good, solid thinking in safely removing the horse from the pool.

Jim Hubbard
HFFD 345


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"345 On The Scene!"



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Moving two large mats into place



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Ready to try climbing the slope



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Churning the water as the mats slip



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The family calms the horse



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Four mats are lashed together and secured



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The horse climbs the slope



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The steps are too narrow



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Lifting



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The horse is lifted clear of the pool



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