Helicopter rescues 1,000-lb horse from disaster by lifting it through the air [Video]
Firefighters and other first responders use various tools to rescue people from the worst situations. Still, sometimes an emergency calls for an unorthodox solution. So, when rescuers in San Juan Capistrano, California endeavored to rescue a huge, heavy horse, they called in a helicopter to lift the 1,000-lb animal to safety.
Video shows firefighters using a helicopter to lift a trapped horse from a steep cliff in California
Deuce, a large horse from Hawaii, was getting accustomed to his new surroundings in San Juan Capistrano, California. Unfortunately, a misstep sent Deuce and his owner tumbling down a steep hill into a vegetated area. While the owner wasn’t trapped after the fall, the horse was hopeless to climb out of his predicament.
Fortunately, neither Deuce nor his human companion were injured in the fall. However, Deuce’s size presented a unique problem. That horse wasn’t getting up the hill without some help. Firefighters and rescue personnel sprung into action, using a helicopter to hoist Deuce out of harm’s way.
Of course, rescuing an animal like a full-grown horse from a treacherous decline is easier said than done. Before the helicopter could lift Deuce to safety, firefighters had to clear a path. That meant descending the embankment with rescue tools and saws. First responders cleared vegetation using chainsaws to rescue Deuce.
After the rescue personnel had a clear enough path, they rigged Deuce for the helicopter airlift. Using a guideline on the ground to prevent unwanted movement, the helicopter slowly lifted the horse up and over the hill.
Understandably, the ordeal is stressful not only for rescuers and the animal’s owner but also for Deuce. As a result, first responders sedated Deuce before using the helicopter to lift him away from danger. Incidentally, Deuce needed some extra attention after the sedative wore off. Upon being lowered to the ground, the animal flopped over onto his side.
Orange County firefighters used an improvised hoisting system to lift the horse back up onto his feet. Fortunately, a veterinarian was on site to treat Deuce as he recovered from sedation.
