A Pennsylvania 3-year-old who had fallen 6 to 10 feet in a manure pit in his family’s barn over the weekend is safe, thanks to a multiple rescue task force.
On Saturday just after 6 p.m., Honey Brook Fire Company and the Chester County Rescue Task Force (CCRTF) were dispatched for an agricultural rescue in Honeybrook Township. The 911 call said a 3-year-old male had fallen into a manure pit on the farm and was unable to get out.
The Incident Commander advised CCRTF units that the victim was about 6 to 10 feet below grade in a large manure pit inside a large barn. Initial fire crews attempted entry, but quickly became stuck in the product.
Crews maintained visual and verbal contact with the boy while Station 33 crews began air monitoring and ventilation. After crews assessed the scene and developed an action plan, two rescuers from Station 47 were placed in dry suits and rope harnesses. They became the entry team, while two more rescuers were geared up as a backup team. Rope tag lines were attached to the entry team.
Because of the difficulty maneuvering in the manure, plywood was obtained from the farm and inserted into the pit. The entry team was able to reach the boy, remove him from the manure, and place him in a stokes basket. Once outside, he was decontaminated, assessed by EMS, and transported to a local hospital.
The Chester County Rescue Task Force said the boy was awake and crying upon removal. No personnel were injured in the rescue.
On Facebook the Task Force said, “We wish a speedy recovery to our little victim.”
