HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Fire crews rescued a dog stuck on an icy pond in Henrico’s West End on Thursday.
Officials say that first responders were called to the 4800 block of Saddleridge Court at 10:07 this morning for a report of a dog stuck in a pond. The pooch had wandered out onto the ice but wasn’t able to get off by himself.
Originally, a single engine company responded to the scene. Shorty after, a call was made for the Henrico Search and Rescue Dive Team to assist. Using an inflatable boat, rope and leash, the dog was wrangled up and brought back to shore.
Click to view slideshow.The entire incident was resolved in 30 minutes.
Way to go, Henrico Fire!
Fire officials want to take this opportunity to remind you that you should never try to go out on the ice to retrieve a pet. Nearly 50 percent of ice related drowning occurs from someone trying to rescue a pet or another person.
The ice may be strong enough to hold the pet’s weight, but may collapse under a person’s weight. Every day, about 10 people drown in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” authorities said in a press release. “Of these deaths, two are children ages 14 or younger. Among the latter group, drowning is the second leading cause of death after motor vehicle accidents.”
If someone has fallen through the ice, you should call 911 right away. From the shore, rescue attempts can be made by trying to reach out to the victim with a pole, stick, ladder or similar items. Items like a rope, hose, or extension cord can be thrown to them to pull back into the shore. Encourage them to spread their arms in front of them, kick their feet to push themselves up onto the ice, and roll to safety.
