Crews Rescue Homeless Women from Buffalo Creek

Passerby noticed the two women and called 911.

 


 

ANTHONY CONGI and ZACHARY KINEKE, WIVB | | Tuesday, November 15, 2011


BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - First responders staged a daring late-night rescue, plucking two women and their pets from the rain-swollen Cazenovia Creek.

It was a scary scene, under a bridge in Cazenovia Creek, when the rushing current and rising waters caught two homeless women by surprise.  A passerby noticed the two women and called 911.

Buffalo Fire Department Division Chief John Mogavero described the rescue, “We did have the water rising, it was raining pretty heavily as everyone knows, we had all those storms rolling in. So, water levels started to rise, they started to be in extreme danger.”

When rescuers reached the women, and lowered a ladder down, they found that the women also had pets with them.

“In addition to the two of them, they had a couple of cats with them for some strange reason, so we had to get the cats up. so we put the cat in the bag so to speak, and we lifted them up separately,” Mogavero said.

The rescue was extremely dangerous, with limited space to work with, and tricky conditions, but crews were able to pull the women up and make sure they were OK.

“When you see a couple of young adults down there like that, trying to just get out of the weather, it's sad, but that was the situation we were presented with,” said Mogavero.

Copyright WIVB




Connect: Have a thought or feedback about this? Add your comment now
Related Topics: News, water rescue

 
What's Your Take? Comment Now ...

Product Connect

1 of 22

Life-Stat Automated CPR System

Compressions AND auto ventilation.

Thumper- Model 1007CC

Advantages over standard compressions.

TTL Training and Test Lungs

Valuable tools in respiratory care.

Featured Careers & Jobs in EMS


Get JEMS in Your Inbox

 

Fire EMS Blogs


Blogger Browser

 

EMS Airway Clinic

Innovation & Progress

Follow in the footsteps of these inspirational leaders of EMS.
More >

Multimedia Thumb

60 Hospitalized After Connecticut Commuter Trains Collide

Five people have critical injuries in derailment outside of Fairfield.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

EMT Student, Pediatrician Save Hit & Run Victim in New Jersey

EMT student helped accident victim while awaiting emergency responders.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

Georgia Teen Seeks EMT Who Helped Save Her 13 Years Ago

Teen wants to thank hero EMT after 13 years.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

Exodus of Paramedics Cause D.C. Staffing Concerns

53 have left since Kenneth Ellerbe became chief in 2011.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

Connecticut Commuter Trains Collide

Five people have critical injuries in derailment outside of Fairfield.
More >


Multimedia Thumb

Photos from RETTmobil: Ambulances on the Show Floor

A.J. Heightman takes you on a tour of the RETTmobil show floor.
More >


Multimedia Thumb

Photos from RETTMobil: German Boxer

Photos of the German Boxer armored ambulance on display at RETTmobil.
More >


Multimedia Thumb

The AmbuBus®, Bus Stretcher Conversion Kit - EMS Today 2013

AmbuBus®, Bus Stretcher all-hazards preparedness & response tool
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

Field Bridge Xpress ePCR on iPad, Android, Kindle Fire

Sneak peek of customizable run forms & more.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

VividTrac offered by Vivid Medical - EMS Today 2013

VividTrac, affordable high performance video intubation device.
Watch It >


Multimedia Thumb

Braun Ambulances' EZ Door Forward

Helps to create a safer ambulance module.
Watch It >


More Product Videos >