First responders rescue boy, 3, from manure pit

HONEY BROOK TOWNSHIP » First responders rescued a 3-year-old boy who had fallen into a manure pit at a farm on Saturday evening.

Units from the Chester County Rescue Task Force (CCRTF) were dispatched on an agricultural rescue call around 6:30 p.m., according to a post on CCRTF’s Facebook page.

People calling 911 reported a 3-year-old boy had fallen into the manure pit and was unable to get out. The victim was reportedly 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, according to the post.

Crews assessed the scene and developed an action plan. Two rescuers 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. This provided a more stable platform from which to work. The entry team quickly reached the victim, removed him from the manure and placed him in a stokes basket, according to the post.

He was moved outside and decontaminated and assessed by waiting EMS. He was awake and crying upon removal, the post said.

Crews spent a considerable amount of time decontaminating personnel and equipment; there were no reported injuries to rescue personnel.

CCRTF Units on scene were: Rescue 25, Longwood; Ladder 25; Rescue 45, Downingtown; Rescue 47, Lionville; Rescue 53, Fame-West Chester; and Chester County HAZMAT 15. Units from West Whiteland and Wagontown also assisted on this incident.

SUBMITTED PHOTO – CHESTER COUNTY RESCUE TASK FORCE First responders rescued a 3-year-old boy who had fallen into a manure pit at a farm in Honey Brook Township on Saturday evening.